sed in the act of crossing
the road; "they are looking back, and I do not want them just now," and
here she waved her hand a little impatiently. "We must follow them
through that gate into the woodland path that leads to Rotherwood. It
is so pretty in daylight. The moon will soon be rising, and then you
will see it better."

Malcolm followed her meekly. When he stumbled over a concealed root,
Elizabeth quietly put her hand on his arm to guide him. The firm, soft
touch, the spontaneous kindness of the action, and her utter
unconsciousness, gave him a positive thrill of pleasure.

"When one's heart is full of gratitude to a person," went on Elizabeth
in the same grave, low tone, "it is so difficult to find words. Mr.
Herrick, I know all you did for our dear boy--I know everything."
Malcolm started. "Cedric told me; but of course we kept it from my
sister."

"My dear Miss Templeton," began Malcolm in an embarrassed voice, for he
was not prepared for this. But Elizabeth would not let him speak.

"You must let me have my innings," she said, with a delicious laugh. "I
have pent up my feelings for nearly two years, and they must find vent.
Mr. Herrick, you have been our benefactor--Dinah's and mine as well as
Cedric's. When you held out your generous hand to a stranger--when you
saved our poor boy from disgrace and a ruined career, you did far more
than you thought--"

"Miss Templeton, for pity's sake--"

"Please, please, let me finish," a pressure of his arm emphasised her
words; "it is so difficult for a woman to hold her tongue. Dinah knows
nothing of all this; we dare not tell her--it would break her heart. My
sister is too good for this world; you know what I mean Mr.
Herrick--she believes too much in other people's goodness, and then
when they disappoint her she is quite crushed."

"I should have thought Miss Templeton's nature an exceptionally happy
one," returned Malcolm.

"You are right," and Elizabeth spoke with evident feeling; "but these
bright, sunshiny natures have their hours of eclipse. Cedric is her
special darling, the object of her tenderest care; if she only knew--"
but here she paused, as though her emotions were too strong.

"My dear Miss Templeton"--Malcolm was determined to be heard now, he
should not be suppressed and silenced any more--"you are making far too
much of the trifling service I was able to render to your brother. What
was a small loan?"

"What was it?" here Elizabeth struck in