"Still, is this a time for trifles such as that ?" Worn out by a very grim struggle, Winston did as he was bidden, and looked up with a twinkle in his eyes, when with the faintest trace of color in her cheeks the girl sat down close to him and drew part of the fur robe about him.
"I really believe you were a little pleased to see me come back just now," he said.
"Was that quite necessary ?" asked Maud Barrington.

"Still, I was." Winston made a little deprecatory gesture.

"Of course," he said.
"Now, we can resume our former footing to-morrow, but in the meanwhile I would like to know why you are so hard upon me, Miss Barrington, because I really have not done much harm to any one at Silverdale.
Your aunt,"-- and he made a little respectful inclination of his head which pleased the girl--"is at least giving me a fair trial." "It is difficult to tell you--but it was your own doing," said Maud Barrington.

"At the beginning you prejudiced us when you told us you could only play cards indifferently.

It was so unnecessary, and we knew a good deal about you!" "Well," said Winston quietly, "I have only my word to offer, and I wonder if you will believe me now, but I don't think I ever won five dollars at cards in my life." Maud Barrington watched him closely, but his tone carried conviction, and again she was glad that he attempted no explanation.