The day was fine, and, when they left the steamer at Putney, they walked on to the heath in good spirits and with cheerful talk.

To be with Ida under these circumstances, in the sunlight and the fresh breeze, was very different from sitting with her yonder in the little room, with the lamp burning on the table, and the quietness of night around.

The calm pleasure of passionless intercourse was realised and sufficing.

Ida, too, seemed content to enjoy the moment; there was not that wistfulness in her eyes which had been so new to him and so strong in its influence.

It was easy to find indifferent subjects of conversation, and to avoid the seriousness which would have been fatal.
When they had found a pleasant spot to rest awhile before turning back, Waymark made up his mind to fulfil his promise to Julian.
"It's rather strange," he said, "that you should have been asking me questions about Mrs.Casti.Since then I've discovered that you probably know her, or once did." Ida looked surprised.
"Do you remember once having a schoolfellow called Harriet Smales ?" "Is that _her_ name ?" "It was, before her marriage." Ida became grave, and thought for some moments before speaking again.
"Yes, I remember her," she said, "and not pleasantly." "You wouldn't care to renew her acquaintance then ?" said Waymark, half glad, in spite of himself, that she spoke in this way.
Ida asked, with earnestness, how he had made this discovery.