he voice of three thousand pounds per annum.

"Do you care for me?" he asked, coming a little closer.

There was a whole world of gratified vanity and ungratified curiosity
for her in the presence of this strong man at her elbow. It was one
of the supreme triumphs of her life, because he was different from the
rest. He was for her what his first tiger had been for him. The danger
that he might come still nearer had for her a sense of keen pleasure.
She was thoroughly enjoying herself, and the nearest approach that men
can experience to the joy that was hers is the joy of battle.

"I cannot answer that--not now."

And the little half-shrinking glance over her shoulder was a low-minded,
unmaidenly invitation. But he was in earnest, and he was, above all, a
gentleman. He stood his ground a yard away from her.

"Then when," he asked--"when will you answer me?"

She stood with her back turned towards him, looking out over the smooth
waters of the Solent, where one or two yachts and a heavy black schooner
were creeping up on the tide before the morning breeze. She drummed
reflectively with her fingers on the low stone wall. Beneath them a few
gulls whirled and screamed over a shoal of little fish. One of the birds
had a singular cry, as if it were laughing to itself.

"You said just now," Millicent answered at length, "that you were not
sure yourself--not at first--and therefore you cannot expect me to know
all at once."

"You would know at once," he argued gravely, "if it was going to be no.
If you do not say no now, I can only think that it may be yes some
day. And"--he came closer--he took the hand that hung at her
side--conveniently near--"and I don't want you to say no now. Don't say
no! I will wait as long as you like for yes. Millicent, I would rather
go on waiting, and thinking that it is going to be yes, even if it is no
after all."

She said nothing, but she left her hand in his.

"May I go on thinking that it will be yes until I come back?"

"I cannot prevent your thinking, can I?" she whispered, with a tender
look in her eyes.

"And may I write to you?"

She shook her head.

"Well--I--I--Now and then," he pleaded. "Not often. Just to remind you
of my existence."

She gave a little laugh, which he liked exceedingly, and remembered
afterwards.

"If you like," she answered.

At this moment Lady Cantourne's voice was heard in the distance, calling
them.

"There!" exclaimed Millicent. "We must g