How could they all have been so simple as to suppose this thing could be done?
It was at this moment that, hearing some one coming behind him, he turned and saw her hastening on between the thickets.

He perceived in an instant that she did not know the blighting news.
"Giles, why didn't you come across to me ?" she asked, with arch reproach.

"Didn't you see me sitting there ever so long ?" "Oh yes," he said, in unprepared, extemporized tones, for her unexpected presence caught him without the slightest plan of behavior in the conjuncture.

His manner made her think that she had been too chiding in her speech; and a mild scarlet wave passed over her as she resolved to soften it.
"I have had another letter from my father," she hastened to continue.
"He thinks he may come home this evening.

And--in view of his hopes--it will grieve him if there is any little difference between us, Giles." "There is none," he said, sadly regarding her from the face downward as he pondered how to lay the cruel truth bare.
"Still--I fear you have not quite forgiven me about my being uncomfortable at the inn." "I have, Grace, I'm sure." "But you speak in quite an unhappy way," she returned, coming up close to him with the most winning of the many pretty airs that appertained to her.