The two went along the path in silence, in and out among the trees. The moon was full. From the sea came up the sound of the tide, washing the smooth rocks at high water. The breeze had died away at sunset and the deep sky was cloudless. Here and there the greater stars twinkled softly, but the little ones were all lost in the moonlight, like diamonds in a pure fountain. Everything was asleep except the watchful, wakeful sea. The two women stood still and looked across the lawn. At last Miss Miner spoke. "Why were you so unkind to Mr. Brinsley to-night?" she asked in a low voice. Fanny glanced at her before she answered. The eldest Miss Miner's face had once been almost beautiful. In the moonlight, the delicate, clearly chiselled features were lovely still, but a little ghostly, and the young girl saw that the fixed smile had disappeared for once, leaving a look of pain in its place. "I didn't mean to be unkind," Fanny began. "That is," she added quickly, correcting herself, "I'm not quite sure of what I meant. I think I did mean to hurt him. He's so strong, and he's always showing that he despises Mr. Lawrence, because he isn't an athlete. As though a man must be a prize-fighter to be nice!" "Well--but--Mr. Lawrence doesn't mind. You see how he takes it all. Why should you fight battles for him?" "Perhaps I shouldn't. But--why should you take up the cudgels for Mr. Brinsley? He's quite able to take care of himself, if he will only tell the truth." "If!" exclaimed Miss Cordelia, in ready resentment. "He's the most truthful man alive." "Oh! And he told you he had been in the English navy." "What has that to do with it? Of course he has, if he says so." "He's unwise to say so, because he hasn't," answered Fanny, in her usual direct way. "How in the world can you say that a man like Mr. Brinsley--an honourable man, I'm sure--is telling a deliberate falsehood? I'm surprised at you, Fanny--indeed I am! It isn't like you." "Did you ever know me to tell you anything that wasn't exactly true?" asked the young girl, looking down into her elderly cousin's sweet, sad face, for she was much the taller. "No--of course not--but--" "Well, Cousin Cordelia, I tell you that your Mr. Brinsley has never been in the English navy. I don't say that I think so. I say that I know it. Will you believe me, or him?' "Oh, Fanny!" Miss Cordelia raised her eyes with a frightened glance.