He had loved Winefred for so long a time, and had done so in anticipation of nothing but rebuff; and now, all at once, he found his love returned. Verily he was the happiest of boys. In the evening he walked through Seaton. The night was still and starlit. There was frost in the air, but he did not feel it; the sea grumbled as it chewed the flints on the Chesil Bank, but he regarded it not. His pulses leaped and his heart sang. He arrived at the ferry and was put across. Olver marvelled to find him in such buoyant humour, and asked the reason. 'I have had a good day,' said Jack, but entered into no explanation. 'Had a rise in your salary?' observed Dench. Then Jack ascended the combe, and took his way over the common to the cottage on the Undercliff. A light was burning in the kitchen. No other window was illumined. He could look in, and he saw Mrs. Marley only, engaged in some domestic employment. Then Jack turned in the direction of Bindon. If Winefred were not at home, she could be nowhere else. Nor was he out in his reckoning. The relations between mother and daughter had been strained. Throughout the day each had felt uneasy, and conscious of the barrier that divided them, and shy of being in each other's presence and society. The situation had become unendurable, and for their mutual relief Winefred had gone in the afternoon to Bindon, to see Mrs. Jose and have tea with her. She did not herself feel in a humour for a visit. She would have preferred to remain alone in her chamber with her thoughts, but as matters stood she considered that it would be best for her to be away from the cottage, and as she owed Mrs. Jose a visit and a talk, she went to her. She could at all events freely speak with her of Jack's daring feat in getting the choughs, and she carried with her the cage to show the birds to the farmer's wife. She further harboured the hope that, when by herself, her mother might reconsider her determination. Night had fallen when Winefred left Bindon to return to the Undercliff, and she went up the lane to the gate that opened on to the down. And there, in the starlight, she saw some one. She knew who it must be thus awaiting her, standing there where she had formerly menaced him with a bush. 'Winefred,' said he, and threw open the gate, 'see, I have plucked away briars and thorns. Pass through to me on the down.' 'O Jack, why have you come?' 'Because I could not stay away. I felt that I must once more see you, hear you――kiss you.' 'Jack, I am returning home, and am late. I have stayed too long at Bindon.' 'You shall not go home yet. Your time belongs now to me.' 'No; have you forgotten what I said to you?' 'I have no memory but for bright and pleasant things. I can recall but one thing distinctly――that you love me.' She heaved a sigh and laid her brow on his shoulder.