n,
and showed her wish to move from the spot.

'She had to attend an inquest yesterday. Perhaps it rather upset her?'

'Yes, I think it did.'

Unable to adapt himself at once to this singular mood of Rhoda's, but
resolved not to let her go before he had tried to learn the cause of
it, he walked along by her side. In this part of the gardens there were
only a few nursemaids and children; it would have been a capital place
and time for improving his intimacy with the remarkable woman. But
possibly she was determined to be rid of him. A contest between his
will and hers would be an amusement decidedly to his taste.

'You also have been disturbed by it, Miss Nunn.'

'By the inquest?' she returned, with barely veiled scorn. 'Indeed I
have not.'

'Did you know that poor girl?'

'Some time ago.'

'Then it is only natural that her miserable fate should sadden you.'

He spoke as if with respectful sympathy, ignoring what she had said.

'It has no effect whatever upon me,' Rhoda answered, glancing at him
with surprise and displeasure.

'Forgive me if I say that I find it difficult to believe that. Perhaps
you--'

She interrupted him.

'I don't easily forgive anyone who charges me with falsehood, Mr.
Barfoot.'

'Oh, you take it too seriously. I beg your pardon a thousand times. I
was going to say that perhaps you won't allow yourself to acknowledge
any feeling of compassion in such a case.'

'I don't acknowledge what I don't feel. I will bid you good-afternoon.'

He smiled at her with all the softness and persuasiveness of which he
was capable. She had offered her hand with cold dignity, and instead of
taking it merely for good-bye he retained it.

'You must, you shall forgive me! I shall be too miserable if you
dismiss me in this way. I see that I was altogether wrong. You know all
the particulars of the case, and I have only read a brief newspaper
account. I am sure the girl didn't deserve your pity.'

She was trying to draw her hand away. Everard felt the strength of her
muscles, and the sensation was somehow so pleasant that he could not at
once release her.

'You do pardon me, Miss Nunn?'

'Please don't be foolish. I will thank you to let my hand go.'

Was it possible? Her cheek had coloured, ever so slightly. But with
indignation, no doubt, for her eyes flashed sternly at him. Very
unwillingly, Everard had no choice but to obey the command.

'Will you have the kindness to tell me,' he said more g