"Neither theoretically nor practically," said Juliet. "I detest snobbery, so do you. If you came to the Court to sweep the kitchen chimney, I should be just as pleased to see you. What a man does is nothing. How could it make any difference?" "It couldn't--to you," said Green. "Or to you?" said Juliet. He laughed a little, his black brows working comically. "Madame, if I met you hawking stale fish for cat's meat in the public street, I couldn't venerate you more or adore you less. Whatever you do--is right." "Good heavens!" said Juliet, and flushed in spite of herself. "What a magnificent compliment! It's a pity you are not wearing a slouch hat with an ostrich plume! You really need a plume to express that sort of sentiment properly." "Yes, I know," said Green. "But--I imagine you are not attracted by plumes. In fact, you have just told me so. Proof positive of your royalty! It is only crowned heads that can afford to despise them nowadays." "Mine isn't a crowned head," protested Juliet. He looked at her searchingly. "Have you never been to Court?" She snapped her fingers airily. "Of course! Dozens of times! Poor companions always go to Court. How often do you go!" "As often as you admit me to your most gracious presence," he said. She clapped her hands softly. "Why, that is even prettier than the stale fish one! Mr. Green, what can have happened to you?" "I daren't tell you," he said. A sudden silence fell upon the words. Juliet puffed the smoke from her cigarette, and watched it rise. "Well, don't spoil it, will you?" she said, as it vanished into air. Green's hand suddenly gripped a handful of shingle and ground it forcibly. He did not speak for a second or two. Then: "No, I won't spoil it," he said, in a low voice. A moment later he flung the stones abruptly from him and got up. "You're not going?" said Juliet. "Yes, I've got work to do. Shall I take Robin with me?" There was a dogged note in his voice. His eyes avoided hers. Juliet rose slowly. "Never mind Robin! Walk a little way with me!" she said. "I think I'd better go," said Green restlessly. "Please!" said Juliet gently. He turned beside her without a word. They went down the shingle to the edge of the sand and began to walk along the shore. For many seconds they walked in silence. Juliet's eyes were fixed upon the mighty outline of High Shale Point that stood out like a fortress, dark, impregnable, against the calm of the evening sky. Her companion sauntered beside her, his hands behind him. He had thrown away his cigarette. She spoke at length, slowly, with evident effort. "I want to tell you--something--about myself." "Something I really don't know?" asked Green, his dark face flashing to a smile.