Stella is a woman who takes things hard, and if any affection really has sprung up----" "-- --It will no doubt evaporate with the usual hysterics and morning headache.

Bless me! I have known dozens of them, and felt some myself in my time--the headaches, I mean, not the other things.

Don't be alarmed if she gets angry, Mr.Fregelius, but just appeal to her reason; she will see the force of it afterwards." An hour or so later the Colonel started for a walk on the beach to look at some damage which a high tide had done to the cliff.

As he was nearing the Abbey steps on his return he saw the figure of a woman standing quite still upon the sands.

An inspection through his eyeglass revealed that it was Stella, and instinct told him her errand.
"This is rather awkward," he thought, as he braced himself to battle, "especially as I like that girl and don't want to hurt her feelings.
Hullo! Miss Fregelius, are you taking the air?
You should walk, or you will catch cold." "No, Colonel Monk, I was waiting for you." "Waiting for me?
Me! This is indeed an honour, and one which age appreciates." She waved aside his two-edged badinage.