How will the distressing complication end?
May 19 .-- And so it has come! My mere avoidance of him has precipitated the worst issue--a declaration.

I had occasion to go into the kitchen garden to gather some of the double ragged-robins which grew in a corner there.

Almost as soon as I had entered I heard footsteps without.

The door opened and shut, and I turned to behold him just inside it.

As the garden is closed by four walls and the gardener was absent, the spot ensured absolute privacy.