I remained in the cart holding the reins, for fear my quaint appearance should excite curiosity regarding young Mr. Reade’s companion if I got out and went into the station with him. But he stood by my side holding my hand under my cloak while we talked in a low voice. “What do I want a farm for? Why, to have a home for you and something to live on, of course! I know something about farming, and it doesn’t matter if I do lose a little just at first.” “But why did you want to go on preparing a home for an ‘accomplished coquette,’ whom you said last night you were never going to see again?” “One isn’t answerable for all one says to a tormenting little witch like you,” said Laurence, laughing. “You didn’t suppose I was really never going to see you again, now did you?” “I shouldn’t have cared,” said I. “Ah, I was right about the coquetry! You wouldn’t have told such a story as that before you went to Denham Court. I was coming to see you to-morrow evening. I’ve had to be away all to-day over at Lawley, and I have to be there again to-morrow with my father; but in the evening I shall call at the Alders and ask boldly for Miss Christie. So mind you are not out.” “I shall not promise.” “And we will have a good long talk together, since, thank Heaven, Mr. Rayner is away; and I will give you an address where a letter will reach me.” We were so intent upon our conversation that I did not notice that there was a man standing very near to us during the last part of it. As Laurence finished speaking, he turned his head, and suddenly became aware that the train had come in while we were talking. “By Jove! Wait for me, darling,” he cried hastily, and then dashed off so quickly that he ran against the man, who was dressed like a navvy, and knocked his hat off. When he returned with his father, who greeted me very kindly, he looked pale and anxious. “Do you know who that man was I ran against?” he whispered. “That navvy?” “It was no navvy. It was Mr. Rayner.” “Laurence!” said I incredulously. “I tell you it was--I swear it! What was he doing, skulking about in that get-up? He came down by this train. He must have overheard what we were saying. Now mark what I say, Violet--I shall not see you again.” “But, Laurence, how could he prevent it? You will come to the house and ask for me--” “Listen, Violet,” he interrupted. “If you do not see me to-morrow night before seven o’clock, be at your ‘nest’ without fail at half-past.” “Very well, I will, Laurence--I will. I promise.” But nothing would reassure him. “I tell you it will be of no use, my darling--of no use. We must say good-by to-night, for I shall not see you again.” CHAPTER XX.