s, for a time. But if he trusted to it and believed that she was
really in earnest, he might get to care himself, and then, when he found
out, he would be disappointed."

"Naturally so."

"It has happened like that before, several times, and sometimes there
are other people to be considered--I mean there might be another girl
whom the man had liked before, and when he had given her up, and found
that-that--"

"That he had given up the substance and grasped the shadow--"

"Yes; then, of course, they would both be miserable, and it would be
worse than ever."

"Naturally it would be."

He spoke in the same cool, half-jeering tone, then suddenly turned round
and bent his head down to mine, staring at me with bright grey eyes.

"Why not be honest, Babs, and not beat about the bush? You think that
my peace is threatened and want to warn me of it, isn't that it, now?
You are my very good friend, and I am grateful for your interest. Did
you think I was in danger?"

"Sometimes--once or twice! Don't be angry. I know you would be true
and loyal, but sometimes--I saw you watching her--"

"She is very lovely, Babs; the loveliest woman I have ever seen. There
was some excuse for that."

"I know, I feel it myself, and it was just because I could understand a
little that I spoke. I thought quite likely that you might be angry at
first, but it was better that you should be that than wretched in the
end."

"Quite so; but I am not angry at all, only very grateful for your
bravery in tackling a difficult subject. I have a pretty good opinion
of myself, but I am only a man, and other men have imagined themselves
secure and found out their mistake before now. Forewarned is forearmed.
Thank you for the warning," and he smiled at me with a sudden flash of
the eyes which left me hot and breathless.

Was I in time? Had he really begun to care for Vere so soon as this? I
longed to say more, but dared not. All my courage had gone, and I was
thankful when father came out of the cottage and put an end to our
_tete-a-tete_.

I thought there would be a difference after this, but there wasn't--not
a bit. When Will came to the house he was as nice as ever to Vere, and
seemed quite willing to be monopolised as much as she liked. If he
avoided anyone it was me, and I was not a bit surprised. People may say
what they like, but they do bear you a grudge for giving them good
advice. I sat in a corner and made cynical reflecti