Then he paused, looked toward the arbor, and uttered an exclamation.
Beth looked up.
"Good morning," she said, pleasantly.
James stared at her, but made no reply save a slight inclination of his head.
"Am I in your way ?" she asked.
He turned his back to her, then, and began clipping away as before.
Beth sprang up and laid a hand upon his arm, arresting him.

Again he turned to stare at her, and in his eyes was a look almost of fear.
She drew back.
"Why won't you speak to me ?" enquired the girl, gently.

"I'm a stranger at Elmhurst, but I want to be your friend.

Won't you let me ?" To her amazement James threw up his hands, letting the shears clatter to the ground, and with a hoarse cry turned and fled up the path as swiftly as he could go.
Beth was really puzzled, but as she stood silently looking after the gardener she heard a soft laugh, and found old Misery beside her.
"It's just his way, Miss; don't you be scared by anything that James does," said the woman.

"Why, at times he won't even speak to Miss Jane." "He isn't dumb, is he ?" asked Beth.
"Lor', no! But he's that odd an' contrary he won't talk to a soul.
Never did, since the day Master Tom was killed.