suaded that even Tardif would shield Olivia from danger and trouble
as I could, if I were only allowed the privilege. Yet my promise to
Julia bound me to hold no communication with her. Besides, this was
surely no time to occupy myself with any other woman in the world than
my mother. She herself, good, and amiable, and self-forgetting, as she
was, might feel a pang of jealousy, and I ought not to be the one to add
a single drop of bitterness to the cup she was drinking.

On the other hand, I was distracted at the thought that this stranger
might discover the place of Olivia's retreat, from which there was no
chance of escape if it were once discovered. A hiding-place like Sark
becomes a trap as soon as it is traced out. Should this woman catch the
echo of those rumors which had circulated so widely through Guernsey
less than three months ago--and any chance conversation with one of our
own people might bring them to her ears--then farewell to Olivia's
safety and concealment. Here was the squall which had been foretold by
Jack. I cursed the idle curiosity of mine which had exposed her to this
danger.

I had strolled down some of the quieter streets of the town while I was
turning this affair over in my mind, and now, as I crossed the end of
Rue Haute, I caught sight of Kate Daltrey turning into a milliner's
shop. There was every reasonable probability that she would not come out
again soon, for I saw a bonnet reached out of the window. If she were
gone to buy a bonnet, she was safe for half an hour, and Julia would be
alone. I had felt a strong desire to see Julia ever since I returned
home. My mind was made up on the spot. I knew her so well as to be
certain that, if I found her in a gentle mood, she would, at any rate,
release me from the promise she had extorted from me when she was in the
first heat of her anger and disappointment. It was a chance worth
trying. If I were free to declare to Olivia my love for her, I should
establish a claim upon her full confidence, and we could laugh at
further difficulties. She was of age, and, therefore, mistress of
herself. Her friends, represented by this odious woman, could have no
legal authority over her.

I turned shortly up a side-street, and walked as fast as I could toward
the house which was to have been our home. By a bold stroke I might
reach Julia's presence. I rang, and the maid who answered the bell
opened wide eyes of astonishment at seeing me there. I passed by