Nearer and nearer drew Owen Davies, till at length he stood quite close, his lips slightly apart, his eyes fixed upon her like the eyes of one who dreams, and his slow heavy face faintly lit with the glow of strong emotion.
The song ended, the children at a word from their mistress filed past her, headed by the pupil teachers, and then with a shout, seizing their caps, ran forth this way and that, welcoming the free air.

When they were all gone, and not till then, Beatrice turned suddenly round.
"How do you do, Mr.Davies ?" she said.
He started visibly.

"I did not know that you had seen me," he answered.
"Oh, yes, I saw you, Mr.Davies, only I could not stop the song to say how do you do.

By the way, I have to thank you for coming to inquire after me." "Not at all, Miss Beatrice, not at all; it was a most dreadful accident.
I cannot tell you how thankful I am--I can't, indeed." "It is very good of you to take so much interest in me," said Beatrice.
"Not at all, Miss Beatrice, not at all.

Who--who could help taking interest in you?
I have brought you some books--the Life of Darwin--it is in two volumes.