Advena speared the dropped horse chestnut husks with the point of her umbrella as they went along.

She had picked up half a dozen when he spoke again.

"I want to tell you--I have to tell you--something--about myself, Miss Murchison." "I should like," said Advena steadily, "to hear." "It is a matter that has, I am ashamed to confess, curiously gone out of my mind of late--I should say until lately.

There was little until lately--I am so poor a letter writer--to remind me of it.

I am engaged to be married!" "But how interesting!" exclaimed Advena.
He looked at her taken aback.