We were standing alone together, I remember, at the gate that separated the garden from the meadowland.

I knew as well as possible, indeed I had known it since we had met in the churchyard that morning, that she had something to say to me, something concerning which she had not quite made up her mind.

What it was, however, I fancied I could hazard a very good guess, but I was determined not to forestall her, but to wait and let her broach it to me in her own way.

This, I fancied, she was now about to do.
"Mr.Fairfax," she began, resting her clasped hands upon the bar of the gate as she spoke, "I want, if you will allow me, to have a serious talk with you.

I could not have a better opportunity than the present, and, such as it is, I want to make the best of it." "I am quite at your service, Miss Kitwater," I replied, "and if I can be of any use to you I hope you will tell me.