"Thanks, awfully," said he, "but I can’t to-night. Fact is, there’s a big billiard match on this evening, and I’ve backed my man for £20, and I may want to hedge a bit if he isn’t in his best form. Some other evening, if you’ll allow me. But to-morrow morning—what are you going to do to-morrow morning? You can’t stay indoors while the weather is so fine; you must leave your work until the wet comes. So I dare say I shall find you somewhere along the front about eleven to-morrow; and if I don’t, why, then, I’ll come along to German Place, and drag you out. For who ever knew such a glorious December?—quite warm in the sun—primroses and violets all a-growing and a-blowing—in the baskets. Good-night to you!—good-night, Miss Bethune!—mind you bring your grandfather along to-morrow morning; or I’ll have to come and drag you both out; good-night—good-night!"—and then with a brief nod to Vincent, which was frigidly returned, he departed. "You are going our way, Vincent?" Maisrie said, timidly. "Oh, yes," he made answer, as they set out together. For a few seconds they walked in silence. But when they had crossed the Old Steine, and got into the Marine Parade, the moon came into view, away over there in the east; it was at the full, but rather dusky, for the north wind had blown the smoke of the town down on the sea-front. "Bid you notice how clear the moon was last night?" she said, to break this embarrassing silence. "Yes, I did," he said. "I was walking about a good deal last night. The moonlight was beautiful on the water." "Oh, were you down in Brighton last night?" she asked, rather anxiously. "Yes." That was all. She did not dare to ask what had brought him down; and he did not choose to invent an excuse. Again they walked on for a little while in silence, until they reached the corner of German Place. "Well, good-night!" said George Bethune, holding out his hand. "Quite a surprise to meet you—quite a surprise. Hope we shall see you again before you go back." And now it was Maisrie’s turn. "Good-night, Vincent!" she said, with her eyes seeking his in mute appeal. "Good-night," said he; and he did not respond to that look: so these two parted.