They went on steadily after that, speaking very little, and Grace stumbling from time to time. Once John asked her: "Are you very tired? This is rotten for you." "I don't mind," said Grace shyly. After a long pause, Trevellyan said cryptically: "Neither do I." On this assurance they reached the high road, and Grace said gently, withdrawing her hand: "I can manage now, thank you." "It _can't_ be long now before something meets us. I don't know what they can send; but if it's only a farm cart, it will be better than nothing." "Luckily I'm a very good walker. I don't think that poor Miss Vivian could ever have got out to Plessing unless we'd met you with that motor-bicycle. She dislikes walking, and is not used to it." "I wouldn't have had this walk with Char," said Trevellyan fervently, "for any money you could offer me. She's a splendid companion, of course, on her own ground, but for this sort of thing--it's only two people in a million, Miss Jones, who could do it without hating one another for ever afterwards." "We must be very remarkable, then, for I don't think it's going to have that effect," said Grace, laughing. "As far as I'm concerned," said Trevellyan slowly, "it's exactly the opposite. You won't want me to tell you about it now, but perhaps some day soon you'll let me--Grace." Miss Jones walked along the muddy, slushy edge of the road with her mind in a tumult. She felt quite unable to make any reply. But Captain Trevellyan, always matter-of-fact, did not appear to expect one. He presently remarked that it was getting colder again. Was Miss Jones very wet? "Rather wet, but the worst half must be over by now. I wonder what news we shall find when we arrive. Do you know, I can't help being selfishly thankful to be going there. It's been so hard never hearing anything about her, and knowing all the time that she was in such anxiety." "Doesn't Char tell you?" "No; but I don't think I asked her. She likes us to be official, you know." "I never heard such inhuman nonsense in my life!" exclaimed Trevellyan in tones of most unwonted violence. They both laughed, and the next minute Grace said, "Listen!" They both heard wheels. "It's the dog-cart. I thought so. It was the only thing left, and I suppose they've got hold of a boy to drive it. Thank goodness! Miss Jones," said Trevellyan for the fourth time, "I can't tell you what I think of you; you've been simply wonderful." "Don't! Of course I haven't." Grace's voice was more agitated than accorded with her previous declaration of imperturbability, and something in the few shaky words caused John to put out his hand and grasp hers for a moment, while he hailed the cart. "Here we are! Did Miss Vivian send you?" "Her ladyship, sir. Couldn't come any faster, sir; the roads are so bad." "They are. How is Sir Piers?" "The same, sir--still unconscious. Dr. Prince don't anticipate no immediate change, sir, but he's staying the night."