erential
way in which John, who had caused the accident, had offered help. When
we went down Alice met him in the hall and he thrilled at something in
her manner as she gave him her hand. It was getting dark and the glow
of the fire flickered among the shadows, but there was only one lamp,
and as it was shaded the light did not travel far beyond the small
table, on which tea was presently served. This hinted at seclusion and
homelike intimacy. An embroidered cloth half-covered the dark,
polished oak, the china was old but unusually delicate, and the blue
flame of a spirit lamp burned beneath the copper kettle.

Foster thought everything showed signs of fastidious taste, but there
was something austere about it that harmonized with the dignified
shabbiness of the house. It was, for example, very different from the
prettiness of the Edinburgh tea-room, and he thought it hinted of the
character of the Borderers. For all that, the society of his companion
had the greatest charm. Alice was plainly dressed, but simplicity
became her. The girl had the Border spirit, with its reserves of
strength and tenderness. Now she was quietly friendly, but Foster knew
her friendship was not lightly given and was worth much.

Alice made him talk about his journey and he did so frankly, except
that he did not mention his meeting the girl in the tea-room or the
detective's visit to his hotel. Still he felt a certain embarrassment,
as he had done when he told his partner's story. It was rather hard to
relate his own exploits, and he knew Alice would note any error he was
led into by vanity or false diffidence.

"Then it was really to keep a promise to Miss Austin you went to
Newcastle," she remarked presently. "Since she sent you with the
packet, you must know her pretty well."

"Yes," said Foster, "in a way, we are good friends. You see there are
not a great many people at the Crossing."

Alice gave him a quiet glance. He was not such a fool as to imagine it
mattered to her whether he knew Carmen well or not. But he thought she
was not altogether pleased.

"What is Miss Austin like?" she asked.

Foster was careful about his reply. He wanted Alice to understand that
he was not Carmen's lover, which needed tact; but he was her friend and
must do her justice, while any breach of good taste would be noted and
condemned. He did his best, without learning if he had produced the
right effect, for Alice let the matter drop,