She held out her hand, but Julia did not take it, and after threading their way amongst the huge rocks and _debris_ fallen from the cliffs at the eastern end of the town, they started onward, keeping close to the water where they could, but oftener upon the shingle beneath the towering cliffs, along whose giddy edges some children were playing, as if safe as the gulls that softly winged their way above their heads. "This is just what I like," said Cynthia. "There, I've made one of my feet wet. Never mind; sea water does not give colds. Isn't it a grand bit of coast, Julie? But, I say, suppose Bogey was to pop up now from behind one of those great pieces of rock. Oh, how stupid I am. Julie: darling sister, don't faint." "No, no. I am better," exclaimed Julia, across whose face a spasm of dread had darted. "It was dreadfully silly of me, dear, but don't you mind what I said. Why, Julie, we are as safe here as if we were in our own rooms. Nobody could come down those cliffs, and I feel sure that you will never see that creature again. There, be a woman. He could not tell that we were down here. Now, could he?" "Cynthia," said Julia, after a few moments' pause, and as she spoke she gazed straight out to sea, "shall you think me very weak and foolish if I tell you what I think?" "No, no, of course not," said Cynthia, glancing furtively about, "only do try to be more firm." "I do try," said Julia, with a catching of the breath, "so hard--so very hard; but that man seems to be my fate, and I feel now that go where I may, or do what I may, he is always close at hand watching for me. Even now I expect to see him waiting by some of these rocks." "Nonsense! foolish girl," said Cynthia. "And that, strive as I will, he will some day take me away." "What!" cried Cynthia, laughing merrily, "take you away!" "Yes, dear," said her sister, solemnly. "I feel it. I am sure of it." "But oh, what nonsense, Julie! You must not let him. You give way to such thoughts. How can you be so foolish?" "Is it foolish? I strive against the thoughts till I feel half mad, but I cannot get rid of them, and his words are ever ringing in my ears. Oh, Cynthia, sometimes I feel as if it is in vain to fight against my fate, and that I may as well be resigned." "Oh, Julie, Julie, Julie!" cried the spirited little maiden. "What am I to do to you--what am I to say? Shall I whip you, or scold you, or have you sent to bed without any dinner? It is too dreadful, and you shall not give way like this. Why, for shame! I know somebody who is dying of love for you." "Don't name him, Cynthy dear; I detest the sight of him and his sisters." "No, no, I mean dear Harry's friend, Mr Magnus." "Poor Mr Magnus!" said Julia, dreamily. "I am very glad he is well again." "But he is not quite well yet, poor dear man. I think a short stay at Hastings would do him good," said Cynthia, archly.