"I--I beg of you not to do that." "_Am_ I a beast?" I smiled. "No, no--not a beast. I'm sorry." "Why do you wish to remain unknown?" "I--I had no business coming. No one knows. It was mere--mere feminine curiosity." She turned away, "Does _that_ satisfy you?" she cried. "I think it does," I said more gently. "And you'll not return?" "No--no, never." "Good. I ask no questions. You stay out. It's a bargain." She led the way now silently, and I hurried after her, a little sorry for my own part in the matter, but still jealous for our violated sanctuary. She had force, this girl, and not a little courage. Modern she was, if you like, but very spirited and human. When we reached the highroad I paused. "If you wish, I will go on with you." "Our paths separate here." I offered her my hand. "Forgive me," I said gently. "I am only doing my duty." But she turned quickly and in a moment was running down the road where the night soon swallowed her. Women are queer animals. She might at least have given me her hand. CHAPTER VII JACK BALLARD TAKES CHARGE On my way back to the Manor house I thought deeply of a way to make the best of the situation. That Jerry was a philosopher seemed for the moment to be a matter of little importance, for the portion of his conversation in the cabin which I had overheard was an indictment both of my teaching and my integrity. His eyes, thanks to the gabble of this mischievous visitor, were now open. He would want to know everything and I found myself placed in the position of being obliged to choose between a frankness which would be hazardous and a deception which would be intolerable. The time had suddenly come for generous revelations. I had labored all these years to bring Jerry to manhood, armed with righteousness and a sound philosophy, equipment enough according to my reading of his character and the meaning of life, to make him impervious to all sophistry and all sin. The conversation that I had overheard did nothing to weaken my faith in the Great Experiment which in my heart I felt already to be an unqualified success, but it notified me of the fact which had almost escaped me, that Jerry was no longer a boy but a man in years as well as body and intelligence and that his desire for worldly knowledge was not to be thwarted. And yet the prospect seemed far from pleasing to me. It was the beginning of the end of our Utopia. Upon the threshold of the world Jerry was eager for that which I had scorned. Our paths would separate. The old relation would be no more. I went home slowly and I think some sign of my weariness and perplexity must have been marked upon my features as I entered the hall where Jerry with sober countenance awaited me. There was nothing for it but to talk the thing out. I did not upbraid him nor he me. We understood each other too well for that.