She had cried out for a fence, a protection. Did not one offer itself now? It might prove of service. She saw that the man loved her in his rough way; his love might help her. For the time, at least, his honest sincerity of affection touched her heart. His "I want you" was grateful to her. That other thing--the thing to which the stolen kiss belonged--was madness. Surely she had resolution to withstand it and to do what was wise? Surely she could be honest? If only because, in all likelihood, dishonesty led nowhere. "Suppose I said yes--and changed my mind?" She was trying to be honest--or perhaps to put herself in a position to maintain that she had been honest, if need arose. "I must take my chance of that, like other men," laughed Wellgood. "But, like other men too, I don't suppose I should be very pleasant about it. Especially not if there was another fellow!" "No, I don't suppose you would." She smiled at him for a moment; he showed there a side of him that she liked--his courage, his self-confidence, his power to stand up for himself. "You leave it to me to keep you when once I've got you," he went on, smiling grimly. "That's my affair; you'll find I shall look after it." She smiled back at him--defiance in return for his grimness. "Very well, I'll leave it to you to keep me. After all, there's no reason to expect competition." "Not in Meriton, perhaps! But what of London, Miss Isobel? I must keep an eye on you there!" He took hold of her hands and pulled her to her feet. "It's a promise?" "In the way I've told you--yes." "Oh, that's good enough for me!" He drew her to him and kissed her. "We shan't have many chances of kissing--or we should give the thing away. But give me one now, Isobel!" She did as she was bid in a very friendly fashion. His kiss had been hearty but not passionate, and hers was an adequate response. It left Wellgood entirely content. "That's all right! Gad, I feel ten years younger! You shan't repent it. I'll look after you well--while I'm alive and after I'm gone too. Don't be afraid about that. Perhaps there'll be somebody else to look after you, by the time I get notice to quit. I'd like to leave a Wellgood of Nutley behind me." "Do you know, that's sentimental?" said Isobel. "Mere sentiment!" "Not a bit of it, miss. It's a sound natural instinct, and I'm proud of it." He kissed her again. "Now be off, there's a good girl. I've got a thousand things to do, and probably everything's been going to the devil while I've been away." "I rather pity everybody now you've come back!" "Don't you worry. I know I shall find your department in good order. Be off!" He took her by the shoulders in a rough playfulness and turned her towards the door. She left him chuckling to himself. He was very content with the issue of his suit. Was her department in good order? Her lips twisted in a wry smile.