The next morning, although he was early at the rendezvous, Miss Broad was there before him. He saw her before she saw him--or thought he did--and, unperceived, as he fancied, stood and watched her. She was reading a book, sitting a little sideways, so that he saw her profile clearly. It was a brilliant morning, and she was attired for the sun. She had on a light grey silky dress, which was covered with flowers, and a huge hat, about a yard round, which matched the dress. He thought how nice she looked. Of a charm so delicate. Instinct with the essence of all things spiritual. He had been depressed as he had come through the park. The mere sight of her dispelled the clouds. The blood moved brisker through his veins. Seeing how engrossed she was by what she read, thinking to take her by surprise, he began to steal towards her across the grass--which he ought not to have done. Hardly had he stepped over the little iron fence than a stentorian voice bawled,-- 'Come out of that!' The invitation was addressed to him, as others, including Miss Broad, perceived as well as he did. It was a keeper's civil method of suggesting that he should keep off the grass, which, just there, was fenced about. He bowed to Miss Broad with a feeble smile, she merely nodding in return, without rising from her seat. As he advanced towards her along the proper gravel path, he was a little conscious that his approach had been robbed of dignity. She received him with an air which was a little frigid--still without rising--and beginning at once on a subject which he would have liked postponed. 'Well? Have you got it?' 'Have I got what?' 'You know very well what I mean. Have you got the ruby?--as you promised.' 'As I promised? My dear Letty, I think that statement is--is a little unauthorised.' 'Does that mean that you haven't got it?' 'I'm afraid it does--as yet.' 'Did you try to get it?' 'I did.' 'Did you go and see that woman?' 'I called upon Miss Bewicke.' 'And do you mean to say that she refused to let you have it?' 'If you'll allow me, I'll tell you what took place.' He told her--a trifle lamely, but still he presented her with a sufficiently clear picture of what actually occurred--sufficiently clear, that is, to inflame her with indignation. She listened with eyes which grew brighter and brighter, and lips which closed tighter and tighter. The spiritual side of her became less obvious. 'And do you mean to say that you allowed the creature to trample on you without a word of protest?' 'I am not aware that she did trample on me.' 'Not when, according to your own account, she treated you as if you were a dog? I wonder you didn't take her into your hands and strangle her.' 'My dear Letty!' 'Of course I don't mean that; but you know what I do mean. As for that man--that Mr What's-his-name--why didn't you knock him down?'