"I will go in if I am in the way," said Priscie. She rose hastily and went towards the house. She felt that Annie was becoming almost unendurable to her. Such a queer, sore sensation was in her heart that she almost wondered if she could live through the next term at Mrs Lyttelton's school in the presence of this girl--this girl so devoid of principle. But then, where were Priscilla's own principles? What right had Priscilla to upbraid another when she herself was so unworthy? She crushed down the dreadful thought, and went back into the house feeling limp and miserable. Meanwhile Mr Manchuri walked slowly down the garden in his meditative, cautious fashion, never hurrying in the very least, and gazing abstractedly at a view which he did not in the least admire, for he had no eyes for the really beautiful things of nature. Nevertheless he considered the strong, sweet air of the Swiss mountains good for him, and as such was the case, was satisfied with his surroundings. Presently he caught sight of Annie's white frock. He liked Annie Brooke; she was a pretty little thing, very good-natured and amusing. He thought to himself how much nicer she was than any other girl in the hotel. She had no nonsensical airs about her, and could listen to an old man's maunderings without showing the slightest sign of weariness. Her eyes were very blue, too, and her hair golden. He did not consider her pretty; no one ever thought Annie Brooke quite pretty; but then she was charming, and had a way of making a man feel at his very best while he talked to her; and she did not object to his smoking. He accordingly made his way as straight as an arrow from the bow to the comfortable seat where Priscilla had been reposing, and which Annie had left vacant for him. Annie was seated on a far less comfortable chair herself. She was looking straight before her, her hands lying idle in her lap, her hat slightly pushed back. She did not appear to notice Mr Manchuri until he was close to her side. But when he said, "Hallo, Miss Brooke!" she looked up, and a happy smile parted her childish lips. "Oh, now, this is nice!" she said. "I was wondering if I should see you before you went." "I am not going until late this evening," was the answer. "I thought you were going this afternoon." "No; I have decided to travel by night. It is too hot for day travelling at present." He sank into a seat and began to pull at his pipe vigorously. Annie gave a gentle sigh. "What is the matter?" he asked. She looked at him, glanced round her, and then, dropping her voice to a whisper, said: "I wonder if I might confide in you." "Of course you may, Miss Brooke," he said. "But it is," said Annie, "a most sacred confidence. I mean that if I tell you, you must never tell anybody else." "I am very honoured, I am sure," said Mr Manchuri. "Now what is this confidence, young lady?" "You will respect it?" said Annie.