Miss Hofmann surveyed her drapery. "Where, if you please?" "There, in front." And Mason extended his walking-stick, and inserted it into the injured fold of muslin. There was a certain graceless _brusquerie_ in the movement which attracted Miss Hofmann's attention. She looked at her companion, and, seeing that his face was discomposed, fancied that he was annoyed at having been compelled to wait. "Thank you," she said; "it's easily mended. And now suppose we go back." "No, not yet," said Ferdinand. "We have plenty of time." "Plenty of time to catch cold," said Miss Hofmann, kindly. Mason had planted his stick where he had let it fall on withdrawing it from contact with his companion's skirts, and stood leaning against it, with his eyes on the young girl's face. "What if I do catch cold?" he asked abruptly. "Come, don't talk nonsense," said Miss Hofmann. "I never was more serious in my life." And, pausing a moment, he drew a couple of steps nearer. She had gathered her shawl closely about her, and stood with her arms lost in it, holding her elbows. "I don't mean that quite literally," Mason continued. "I wish to get well, on the whole. But there are moments when this perpetual self-coddling seems beneath the dignity of man, and I'm tempted to purchase one short hour of enjoyment, of happiness, at the cost--well, at the cost of my life if necessary!" This was a franker speech than Ferdinand had yet made; the reader may estimate his habitual reserve. Miss Hofmann must have been somewhat surprised, and even slightly puzzled. But it was plain that he expected a rejoinder. "I don't know what temptation you may have had," she answered, smiling; "but I confess that I can think of none in your present circumstances likely to involve the great sacrifice you speak of. What you say, Colonel Mason, is half----" "Half what?" "Half ungrateful. Aunt Maria flatters herself that she has made existence as easy and as peaceful for you--as stupid, if you like--as it can possibly be for a--a clever man. And now, after all, to accuse her of introducing temptations." "Your aunt Maria is the best of women, Miss Hofmann," said Mason. "But I'm not a clever man. I'm deplorably weak-minded. Very little things excite me. Very small pleasures are gigantic temptations. I would give a great deal, for instance, to stay here with you for half an hour."