"Come, the next polka, just to show there is no ill-feeling." Half a dozen times William repeated his demand. At last she said-- "You've spoilt all my pleasure in the dancing." "I'm sorry if I've done that, Esther. I was jealous, that's all." "Jealous! What was you jealous for? What do it matter what people think, so long as I know I haven't done no wrong?" And in silence they walked into the garden. The night was warm, even oppressive, and the moon hung like a balloon above the trees, and often the straying revellers stopped to consider the markings now so plain upon its disc. There were arbours, artificial ruins, darkling pathways, and the breathless garden was noisy in the illusive light. William showed Esther the theatre and explained its purpose. She listened, though she did not understand, nor could she believe that she was not dreaming when they suddenly stood on the borders of a beautiful lake full of the shadows of tall trees, and crossed by a wooden bridge at the narrowest end. "How still the water is; and the stars, they are lovely!" "You should see the gardens about three o'clock on Saturday afternoons, when the excursion comes in from Brighton." They walked on a little further, and Esther said, "What's these places? Ain't they dark?" "These are arbours, where we 'as shrimps and tea. I'll take you next Saturday, if you'll come." A noisy band of young men, followed by three or four girls, ran across the bridge. Suddenly they stopped to argue on which side the boat was to be found. Some chose the left, some the right; those who went to the right sent up a yell of triumph, and paddled into the middle of the water. They first addressed remarks to their companions, and then they admired the moon and stars. A song was demanded, and at the end of the second verse William threw his arm round Esther. "Oh, Esther, I do love you." She looked at him, her grey eyes fixed in a long interrogation. "I wonder if that is true. What is there to love in me?" He squeezed her tightly, and continued his protestations. "I do, I do, I do love you, Esther." She did not answer, and they walked slowly on. A holly bush threw a black shadow on the gravel path and a moment after the ornamental tin roof of the dancing room appeared between the trees.