'Yes. He was very angry, and insisted, and she was frightened. The second time he tried to persuade her, and she would not be persuaded, so he let her stay, and at a month's end she came back. But she never asked him to forgive her, and it was heart-rending to see him so gentle. He blamed himself, said he should never have asked her to marry him, that she was too young and handsome and well-born, and had he not been too selfish to let her alone she would have married some man who could have given her all the wealth and pleasure she had a right to expect. Last time he did not even try to coax her, though he actually went to see her. He said she must be happy in her own way. He had only his love to plead, and she had taught him she did not care for that.' Her voice had sunk to the lowest of tones. Its inflexion touched the chord in his heart, of whose vibration in devotion to herself she was far from thinking in this hour. He caught his breath and abruptly turned his head away. He could not have borne to glance at her. For a moment he could not speak. 'Constantine said Mrs. Hennifer had called,' he said. 'Yes. She often does, but it is generally to see me now. Somehow she and Clothilde don't care for each other, though they've known each other for years. Clothilde was at her sister's school in London, and while she was there Mrs. Hennifer married and went out to India.' 'It seemed a strange coincidence that brought them into proximity again here.' 'That was years after. Captain Hennifer left her badly off, and she was glad to get such a delightful sinecure as looking after Cynthia.' 'Where is Miss Marlowe now?' 'In Jersey with the Kerrs. They're all going to winter there together.' 'Perhaps Mrs. Kerr will ask the Canon to join them by and by. I suppose she is his favourite sister.' 'Yes, and particularly as she's Cynthia's friend. But she will scarcely venture to ask him unless Cynthia wishes it. His being with them could only have one meaning, but I fear Cynthia won't wish it. I wish, every one does, that she would marry Canon Tremenheere.' Above the ridge before them there just then wavered into the air a thin thread of peat reek. Anna saw it and averted her head. But Borlase had seen the rush of colour over face and neck. He put his hand on hers. 'Shall I come down with you?' he said. She shook her head, with a swift half-frightened glance at him. He knew she did not know how she would find Mrs. Severn. 'Well, remember I am here and will do what you wish.' 'I'll come and tell you.' 'You really will?' he said, smiling into her eyes. She suddenly felt herself inspired with fortitude, and with a confidence so full and free that she could have told him anything. 'Yes, I will,' she said.