"I suppose it is; then I hate common-sense, and I detest this secret business. At least, dear, when we are alone you will----" and Gerald proceeded to demonstrate how it should be when they were alone. But Miss Hilda was not inclined for such endearments. They were, to her mind, a trifle premature. She had her own little game to play, and for the present, at all events, they did not form part of it. "Hush!" she said, "someone is coming." He listened; and a light step fell upon the frosty air. It was Miriam. Her face was flushed, and her eyes seemed unusually bright. She was walking very quickly. She saw this Corydon and Daphne on the stile, and was quick to divine, from the expression on Corydon's face, what had been happening. She waved her hand and smiled, and passed on hurriedly. They watched her graceful figure dwindle in the distance, and returned to the discussion of themselves; with the result that Miss Marsh went home, as she had fully intended to do, under tacit engagement to the future Squire of Lesser Thorpe, and well content with her afternoon's work. "They are engaged," she thought to herself; "I am sure of it: and I am dismissed! My life here is at an end, for I cannot--I will not lend myself any more to Mr. Barton's schemes. I must go back to Jabez, there is no help for it--back to the old life. Oh, how horrible it is!--and how hard! But he must swear to spare poor Jabez--he _shall_. If he refuses, I must force him to." She walked on swiftly until she reached the house. The Squire was at home and in his library. She sent in her message, and was received at once. He looked more wrinkled, and if possible, more evil than ever, she thought, as he croaked out a welcome and placed a chair for her. Anxious to get it over, she came to the point at once. "You are surprised to see me?" she said. Barton's eyebrows went up at once. "No, indeed; is it so very strange that you should visit an old man who has tried to show some interest in you? Perhaps you will allow me to say I am delighted!" "Oh!" Miriam waved her hand. "I think you and I can dispense with compliments, Mr. Barton. I had better say at once that I have come here for a definite reason--to ask you a question." "By all means; please don't hesitate." "Well, then, is it true that you want to have Jabez arrested?" "Let me answer you with another. Who told you I did?" "The man you call the Shadow." Barton frowned. "Did he, indeed? I thought he was more discreet. I must speak to him. Well, and suppose I do wish to have Jabez arrested, what then?" "I forbid you to!" He could scarcely believe his ears. "_You_ forbid _me_--well, really," he sneered. "So far I cannot congratulate you on the object of your visit. And pray may I ask how do you intend to enforce this prohibition, for I take it you are prepared--or rather, think you are--to enforce it?"