Notwithstanding Ruth's refusal of him, Geoffrey Heron had not gone away; he was too deeply in love with her for that, and remained like a moth fluttering round a candle. Sometimes he felt annoyed with himself; but he was no longer his own master. Then, much to his surprise, the girl sought him of her own free will. He was delighted, though he wisely strove not to shew it. She suggested a walk, in order that they might not be interrupted. After some preliminary skirmishing, she led the conversation up to the departure of Neil Webster. "I am sorry," she said, with a sigh. "You need hardly tell me that," replied Geoffrey, not very amiably, for he was annoyed by the speech and the sigh. "I know he is the lucky man." "If he is lucky, he does not value his luck." "What do you mean? I understood from Miss Brawn that you were engaged to marry him." "Ah! that's just it. I was engaged, but now--he has gone away without a word. I don't believe he cares one bit about me." "What a fool! Oh, Ruth, if you only knew!" "I do know," she said, kindly; "you want me to be your wife. Well, I refused, because I could not really love you; but you know that I do like you extremely." "Even that is something." "And if it were not for Neil--well, I might bring myself to marry you." "No," he said, firmly. "I also have my pride. Much as I want you to be my wife, I will not consent to that unless you can tell me that you love me." "Won't liking do?" "No,"--gruffly--"liking will certainly not do." "I might grow to love you in time." "I wish you could--but--what does all this mean?" She thought for a moment; then she said: "I hope you won't think me bold for speaking openly. But the fact is--well, I was engaged to Neil, and he--he has broken our engagement." "Ah!" exclaimed the young man. "And how can I remedy the situation?" "Go to him and ask why he went away." "I cannot. Do you expect me to bring my rival back to you?" "If you loved me and wished me to be happy, you would." "I don't want to see you happy with another fellow," and his manner was eminently human. "I want you to myself." "Well, you will not get me by behaving in this way!" cried Ruth, now thoroughly exasperated. "This is the very first time I have ever asked you to do anything for me, and you refuse!" Geoffrey temporised. "Supposing Webster were to persist in his refusal to come back to you, would there be a chance for me?" Miss Cass looked straight before her, with her nose in the air. "I really don't know," she said coldly. "I make no bargains." "Very well," said Geoffrey, most unexpectedly, "I'll do it." CHAPTER IX. THE EMBASSY OF GEOFFREY HERON.