"Mr. Vane," she cried and moved a step towards him. "Do I frighten you that you don't want to see me?" "No," she heard him say, but it was with difficulty for his voice was so low. "I'm not frightened but I'm afraid of what you might say or think." "You don't give me a chance of the one or the other," she retorted. "You don't keep your own appointments. 'Tis a bad habit of forgetfulness with women, it's worse with men." "You're right, but in my case 'tis not forgetfulness. I've seen you every time you've sung. I've not missed once." "And you've never acknowledged my presence! Thank you." "I was at fault there, I suppose. I kept my happiness to myself. I ought to have thanked you for the joy of seeing and hearing you but I was doubtful whether I should not be intruding." "It would have been no intrusion," rejoined Lavinia her tone softening. "Then I hope my admiration is not an impertinence." "Oh, you're too modest, Mr. Vane. You've no confidence in yourself--save when you've need to strike a blow." "I've no confidence that I'm acceptable to you and--but may I accompany you across the heath? I notice that your usual bodyguard is absent to-night." "Oh, you've noticed _that_. May be that bodyguard prevented what you're pleased to call your intrusion." "It made no difference. Had you been alone I should have taken care that you reached home safely but you would not have known that I was within call. May I?" He had offered his arm. She accepted it. Now that he was close to her she could see that he had vastly improved. His unhealthy pallor was gone, his eyes had lost their glassiness, his step was firm, his body more elastic. They set out. For a few yards not a word was said. Lavinia was the first to speak. "I hope the Hampstead ponds have lost their attraction," said she lightly. "Indeed yes--thanks to you. My mother says it is due to the Hampstead air, but I know better. Is it true that I'm no longer to drink of the elixir that is restoring me to health and sanity? Are you going to leave Hampstead?" "Yes, I'm returning to London. Mr. Rich has given me an engagement." "I congratulate you. You're fortunate, but your fortune's not more than you deserve. You're going to be famous. I'm sure of it." "Well--and you? You'll be writing something soon, won't you?" "I think not. I've no mind to court failure a second time. My father has secured me a post at a mercers in Ludgate Hill. I'm still to mingle with books but they're not of the sort which used to interest me. They have to do with figures. I've undertaken to keep the accounts." "I wish you success. Mind you keep 'em correctly. I've my doubts about that," rejoined Lavinia with a little laugh. "But I mustn't discourage you." "You'll never do that. I love even your chiding." "That's nonsense." "It's true. I swear it."