Duncan Leslie went on down the zigzag cliff-path leading from the Wheal Germains copper-mine to the town. It was a picturesque way, with a fresh view at every turn west and east; and an advanced member of the town board had proposed and carried the suggestion of placing rough granite seats here and there in the best parts for resting those who climbed, and for giving others attractive places for sunning themselves and looking out to sea. About half-way down Leslie passed an invalid, who had taken possession of a seat, and was gazing right away south, and dreaming of lands where the sun always shone--wondering whether the bright maiden Health could be found there. Lower still Leslie was going on thoughtfully, pondering on Uncle Luke's hints, when the blood suddenly flushed into his cheeks, his heart began to beat rapidly, and he increased his pace. For there unmistakably were two ladies going down the zigzag, and there were no two others in Hakemouth could be mistaken for them. He hurried on to overtake them. Then he checked himself. "Where had they been?" His sinking heart suggested that they had been on their way to visit Uncle Luke, but that they had caught sight of him, and in consequence returned. His brow grew gloomy, and he walked slowly on, when the blood flushed to his cheeks again, as if he had been surprised in some guilty act, for a sharp voice said-- "No, Mr Leslie; you would not be able to overtake them now." He stopped short, and turned to the warm sheltered nook among the rocks where Aunt Margaret was seated; her grey lavender dress was carefully spread about her, her white hair turned back beneath a black velvet satin-lined hood, and a lace fichu pinned across her breast. "You here, Miss Vine?" "Yes; and I thought I would save you a thankless effort. You could not overtake the girls unless you ran." "I was not going to try and overtake them, Miss Vine," said Leslie coldly. "Indeed! I beg your pardon; I thought you were. But would you mind, Mr Leslie--it is a very trifling request, but I set store by these little relics of our early history--Miss _Marguerite_ Vine, if you would be so kind?" Leslie bowed. "Certainly, Miss Marguerite," he said quietly. "Thank you," she said, detaining him. "It is very good of you. Of course you are surprised to see me up here?" "Oh no," said Leslie quietly. "It is a delightful place to sit and rest and read." "Ye-es; but I cannot say that I care much for the rough walking of this part of the world, and my brother seems somehow to have taken quite a dislike to the idea of having a carriage?" "Yes?" "So I am obliged to walk when I do come out. There are certain duties one is forced to attend to. For instance, there is my poor brother up yonder. I feel bound to see him from time to time. You see him frequently, of course?" "Every day, necessarily. We are so near."