n fence. The sun
was shining brightly, and a fawn, which had strayed from the small herd
of fallow deer, left off browsing to gaze. As Jimmy and Bridget sat
down it turned and slowly ambled away.

"Why did you choose this particular place of all others?" asked Jimmy.

"Once upon a time," said Bridget, "years and years ago, my aunts used
to live at Blackheath."

"I should rather like to take you to them at Sandbay," replied Jimmy.
"I have been there. They are the dearest old ladies, and your proper
place seems to be with them--for the present!"

"Oh, I couldn't," she exclaimed. "Especially after what I imagine you
have told them about me. I really couldn't go," she said.

"Then you leave me only one alternative," said Jimmy. "I was anxious
to do everything decently and in order, but it appears you won't let
me."

"You have not asked why I left Golfney Place," suggested Bridget,
leaning forward in her chair and digging the ferrule of her sunshade
into the turf.

"I fancy I know," said Jimmy. "You lacked courage to face old
Faversham."

"Oh, how abominably I treated him!" murmured Bridget.

"There is not the least doubt about it," Jimmy admitted.

"So very, very badly," she continued gravely, with her eyes on the
grass, "that I wonder you took the trouble to find me."

"Do you?" he asked, and as she remained silent for a few moments Jimmy
repeated the question. "Do you?" he said.

"Why, no," she cried, raising her head and facing him with a laugh.
"But it is more than I deserve," she added. "Jimmy, I was in great
straits. I saw how fast my money was going, that I should have none
left in a year or two, and so when Colonel Faversham bothered me to
marry him I gave in. I thought I could do it, you know."

"Until I came to undeceive you!" suggested Jimmy.

"Yes," said Bridget; "but I was afraid you might be--be disgusted! I
wanted you to know, and yet I didn't. I tried to tell you time after
time, and still I couldn't say the word which I thought might drive you
away from me. I saw it would be impossible to marry Colonel Faversham,
but if I threw him over what should I do in the future? I hesitated
and hesitated. I went to Crowborough because I hoped the influence of
the place might give me courage; it didn't and I had some wild idea of
appealing to Mark for help. That--that wouldn't do, and Colonel
Faversham insisted I should tell him when I would be his wife--he
talked of our being married