. The horse was quiet; she could easily
manage any ordinary latch.

But the gate was difficult, and she fumbled at, it. Again and again, she
brought up her horse, only to fail. And the cob began to get nervous and
jump about--to rear a little. Whenever she stooped towards the gate, it
would swerve violently, and each unsuccessful attempt made it more
restive. She began to get nervous herself.

"How abominable! Must I go back? Suppose I get off? But if I do, can I
get on again?" She looked round her for a log or a stone.

Who was that approaching? For suddenly she saw a horse and rider coming
from the Hilkley direction towards the gate. A moment--then through the
dusk she recognised the rider; and agitation--suffocating,
overwhelming--laid hold upon her.

A sharp movement on the part of the horseman checked his horse. Falloden
pulled up in amazement on the further side of the gate.

"You?--Lady Constance!"

She controlled herself, with a great effort.

"How do you do? My horse shies at the gate. He's so tiresome--I was just
thinking of getting off. It will be most kind if you will let
me through."

She drew aside, quieting and patting the cob, while he opened the gate.
Then she passed through and paused, looking back.

"Thank you very much. Are there any more gates?"

"Two more I am afraid," he said formally, as he turned and joined her.
"Will you allow me to open them for you?"

"It would be very good of you," she faltered, not knowing how to refuse,
or what to say.

They walked their horses side by side, through the gathering darkness.
An embarrassed and thrilling silence reigned between them, till at last
he said: "You are staying at Scarfedale--with your aunts?"

"Yes."

"I heard you were there. They are only five miles from us."

She said nothing. But she seemed to realise, through every nerve, the
suppressed excitement of the man beside her.

Another couple of minutes passed. Then he said abruptly:

"I should like to know that you read my last letter to you--only that! I
of course don't ask for--for any comments upon it."

"Yes, I received it. I read it."

He waited a little, but she said no more. He sharply realised his
disappointment, and its inconsequence. The horses slowly descended the
long hill. Falloden opened another gate, with the hurried remark that
there was yet one more. Meanwhile he saw Connie's slender body, her
beautiful loosened hair and black riding-hat outlined against the