"That's one way of puttin' it," he said lightly. "I'm sort of windin' up the Company." "The Garden of Eden Limited," flashed the girl. "History repeats itself." For a moment she hesitated. Then--"Where's Adam?" she said carelessly. "Done a bunk," said Every, with no idea of what she meant. "Are you a creditor?" Miss Strongi'th'arm regarded him. "Either," she said coldly, "you are a liar or else a fool." Every stared at her speechless.... After a moment the girl shrugged her shoulders. Then a riding-boot flashed, and the grey sprang forward. As she pulled up beside him-- "By what authority do you dismiss these men?" Every looked up steadily into the angry eyes. Then he took off his hat. "Forgive me," he said quietly, "but by what authority do you ask?" For a second he thought she would strike him. The cold fury of the pale peaked face, the haughty set of the lips, the blaze of the great brown eyes, heralded violence.... Every never moved. With a sudden movement André turned her head to stare into the distance. At length-- "I've lost all I had in this estate--this venture ... and a lot that--that wasn't mine," she said slowly. "Is that good enough?" Before the weariness of her tone, Every's resentment went down with a rush. "I'm most awfully sorry," he said gently. "I'd no idea of this. I don't think any one has. Of course, if I'd known for a moment that you were--er--interested, I shouldn't have dreamed of moving in the matter without your consent." He hesitated. Then-- "But surely you can recover something. I mean, the place can be sold, and I'm sure the solicitors would see to it that you----" André gave a dry laugh. "I hardly think they'd allow my claim," she said shortly. Every swallowed before replying. "You could try," he said desperately. "Fool," said the girl contemptuously. "It's not a question of money. It's a question of men." And with that she fell to whistling under her breath. Every decided that she was mad. "I'm afraid I don't understand," he said stiffly. "What I'm doing, I'm doing with the approval of Mr. Plowman, solicitor to Colonel Winchester--he's the owner of this park: and, if you apply----" "Yes, I know that," said André quietly. "But for this park, I should be Mrs. Winchester." The scales fell from Every's eyes. The picture of the giant, of whom Plowman had told him, pacing a madman's cage, rose up before him, and a great wave of pity for his companion swept into his heart. It occurred to him suddenly that, but for the grace of God, Valerie French would stand by this strange girl's side....