me the two sat in
silence, unconscious of the wild romance of the nook or the ceaseless
monotone of the ocean just below.

"I have worked hard to make this venture a success," he said at last, in
a dejected tone, "and hoped for much, but now it all seems likely to
vanish, and worse than that, the good people here who have bought stock
will lose by it and blame me. I cannot tell them how matters stand, or
even leave here at present, and yet any day I may hear that the company
has dissolved. I've lost all confidence in them now, and to protect
myself am forced to act a dishonorable part and let them send money I do
not need. I have a friend to whom I sent our stock, but no word comes
from him, and so, little girl, you see why I am so disheartened."

But Mona scarcely understood all he had said--some of it not at all. The
matter of stock values and how the present dilemma came about was quite
beyond her. What she did understand was that some grave danger
threatened Winn and he must leave the island. She had, impelled by a
sweet girlish impulse, come to the cave early that day, bringing ferns
and flowers to deck it and surprise this man whose every word and smile
seemed of so much value. She had brought her violin, glad if he cared to
hear her play; she had hoped the little outing, away from all others in
this trysting place, would be charming to him; and in her girlish heart
meant to make it so, and now the little plan had come to naught, and
instead she had heard what caused a heartache. The ferns were fast
wilting and the violin remained in its case.

"Come, dear," said Winn, speaking freely and seeing the cloud on her
face, "let us forget this trouble and enjoy this afternoon. We may not
have another one here. Please play for me now."

But her muse had fled, and she only turned away to hide the pain in her
face.

"I will by and by," she said faintly; "I want to think now."

And Winn, conscious of the blow he had dealt her, felt a strange sense
of guilt. He had known for many weeks that his every word and look and
smile was a joy to her, and while not for one instant had she
overstepped the bounds of maidenly reserve, her thoughts were of him.
And then as he looked at her with face half turned away and lips
tightly closed as if to keep back the tears, a sudden impulse to gather
her close in his arms and whisper fond and loving words came to him. But
he put it away.

"I wish you would play for me, dear," he said v