Climbing the long worn flights of steps which led from one to another of the broad terraces in front of the Castle, Usk kept purposely in the shade of the bushes which rose behind the balustrades. This was his chance, to find Félicia alone and take her by surprise. He reached the terrace next below the highest, and stopped suddenly. The steps which faced him turned sharply at a right angle, and on the small landing thus formed stood a sun-dial. Leaning against the sun-dial was Félicia, her long black robes trailing on the stones, her face almost hidden by the furs in which she was muffled. “Félicia!” Usk had sprung up the steps and appeared at her side. She turned with a little scream, then a smile crept over her face. “Well, do you know,” she remarked deliberately, “I was just thinking about you. I sort of felt you were not far away.” “You wanted me? Oh, my darling!” It was necessary for Félicia to free herself, which she did without undignified haste. Then she straightened her hat, and looked reproachful. “I don’t know what I said to give you the notion of doing that, Lord Usk,” she said severely. “Only that you missed me.” Usk’s arm was round her again. “Well, I don’t know but I have felt lonesome at times. But I never said it was on your account, any way.” “Perhaps you would like me to make you say it?” suggested Usk, taking full advantage of his position. “Do tell, now! Commend me to an Englishman for calm impudence! And what has brought you along just now?” “I came because I couldn’t stay away any longer. _You_ brought me back, you know you did. I had to see you again.” “Then I guess you’re going away again right now? You seem to be taking a look to last you a long time.” “If you’re counting on that, you’ll be disappointed. I shall look at you just as hard however long I stay. I should like to look at you for ever. Your face is never the same for two seconds together.” “I don’t feel like allowing remarks on my face unless they’re compliments, Lord Usk, and don’t you forget it.” “And that wasn’t a compliment? Then I’ll show you the difference. Any man may pay you a compliment, do you see? but I may make remarks which are not compliments, because I love you.” “Then preserve me from being loved, any way! But maybe your sort of love isn’t just the usual sort?” “Isn’t it? I’m so sorry. Is that better?” Félicia had laid herself open to an obvious retort in the confidence that Usk would not be quick-witted enough to seize the opportunity. “Do you believe that I love you now?” he asked, partially releasing her, “or shall I go on to prove it further?” “I guess it’s not necessary. I can quite believe it.” “And you do care for me--just a little?” Félicia’s face assumed an expression of intense thought. “Well, yes,” she said at last. “I think I can maybe say that I do care for you--just a little.”