Part 14 (1/2)

”How are you getting on?” I asked as I neared the Sweet.w.a.ter. But she wouldn't reply. Her sentiments toward me, I am sure, were too deep for words.

”Where did you come in?” I asked again.

”The iron railing--at the stream,” she mumbled.

”Oh! It must be repaired at once.”

”You needn't bother,” she said scornfully, ”so far as I am concerned.”

”That's very kind of you. Ah, here we are.”

We went carefully over the rocks and in a short while the dim bulk of the wall rose before us. I descended, preceding her, found the opening and went through it.

”You're not going any further with me,” she commanded in a suppressed tone. ”I forbid it.”

I rose on the other side of the grille and dusted my knees.

”I should be sorry to disobey your commands,” I said firmly, ”but the dangers of the woods at night--”

”Oh! How I abominate you!”

”Really? I am sorry.”

But she followed me through the aperture and I led the way down a path, which seemed fairly well worn, alongside the wall.

”Of course, your real name isn't Smith,” I began again in a moment.

And then after waiting in vain for a reply: ”Are you staying with the Laidlaws? The Carews? The Van Wycks then? You won't tell me? Oh, very well, I'll inquire.”

My threat brought her to her senses.

”You wouldn't do that!” she said in an agonized tone, catching me by the arm.

”I'm quite capable of it,” I replied, stopping beside her.

”I--I beg of you not to do that.”

”_Am_ I a beast?” I smiled.

”No, no--not a beast. I'm sorry.”

”Why do you wish to remain unknown?”

”I--I had no business coming. No one knows. It was mere--mere feminine curiosity.” She turned away, ”Does _that_ satisfy you?” she cried.

”I think it does,” I said more gently. ”And you'll not return?”

”No--no, never.”