He talked to her a great deal about Cornwall; of its traditions and folklore and history. He persistently refused to discuss any future plans with her and she was content, for the time being, to live in the present. Mrs. Wharnecliffe received Gentian with her usual warmth of welcome. "The very bad penny has returned to you," said Gentian softly and contritely. "I almost felt it would be so," was Mrs. Wharnecliffe's response. "Your heart was so set on going, that I felt it would be wise to let you go; but I had a presentiment that it would be a failure." They had had luncheon in the train. Sitting out under the big acacia tree on the lawn, Gentian poured out her story. Mrs. Wharnecliffe smiled at times at her childishness, yet was surprised with her quick comprehension and discernment. She saw that Vernon Buchan had wearied her long before the actual break with him, and she was thankful for it. Thorold left them alone for a considerable time; then, when he joined them, Mrs. Wharnecliffe said she must finish writing some letters. "We will have tea out here," she said. "I shall not be long." Thorold took a garden chair and pulled out his pipe, but he did not light it. He looked at Gentian in a funny, diffident kind of way. "Now shall we talk plans?" he said. "Yes," said Gentian with a sigh; "but you'll be very clever if you can find a home for me anywhere, I must work; but what to do, and how to earn money, I do not know. I suppose I must try and give music lessons, but I am not very patient." Thorold cleared his throat. "I should like to offer you a home," he said; "but I doubt if you would—" "Oh, where? Not in Cornwall with you? As your housekeeper?" He shook his head. "Oh, no." Gentian's face fell. Then he put his pipe in his pocket, and took her slim little hand in his. "Am I too old and stodgy for you, Gentian? Too dull and commonplace to make you happy? Would you care to come down to Cornwall and make me one of the happiest men there?" "Are you asking me to marry you?" whispered Gentian, her blue eyes glowing as she looked up into his rather agitated face. "I am asking you to be my wife," he said very solemnly. Her face broke up into ripples of laughter. Then a tender softness came over it. "Cousin Thor, you're a darling! Do you really mean it?" "Would I joke on such a subject?" "I never, never thought you'd care enough for me. Why, I like you better than anyone else in the world! You're not asking me out of pity?" Thorold had drawn her into his arms. "There's no pity in my heart," he said softly, "only immense love. And it has been there for a long, long time, only I thought I was too old for you." "You're not a bit old, you're everything that I want. Did you know how I felt about you?" "Tell me." But Gentian had suddenly become shy. "I will one day, but not yet."