May I for weighty reasons which fill me with distress, beg but a minute's conversation with you here ?' Who that was inexperienced in deceit, and had a frank and youthful heart, could doubt the speaker's truth--could doubt it too, when the voice that spoke, was like the faint echo of one she knew so well, and so much loved to hear?
She inclined her head, and stopping, cast her eyes upon the ground.
'A little more apart--among these trees.

It is an old man's hand, Miss Haredale; an honest one, believe me.' She put hers in it as he said these words, and suffered him to lead her to a neighbouring seat.
'You alarm me, sir,' she said in a low voice.

'You are not the bearer of any ill news, I hope ?' 'Of none that you anticipate,' he answered, sitting down beside her.
'Edward is well--quite well.

It is of him I wish to speak, certainly; but I have no misfortune to communicate.' She bowed her head again, and made as though she would have begged him to proceed; but said nothing.
'I am sensible that I speak to you at a disadvantage, dear Miss Haredale.

Believe me that I am not so forgetful of the feelings of my younger days as not to know that you are little disposed to view me with favour.