The rider came to Withersteen House oftener than ever.
Jane saw a change in him, though it did not relate to his kindness and gentleness.

He was quieter and more thoughtful.

While playing with Fay or conversing with Jane he seemed to be possessed of another self that watched with cool, roving eyes, that listened, listened always as if the murmuring amber stream brought messages, and the moving leaves whispered something.

Lassiter never rode Bells into the court any more, nor did he come by the lane or the paths.

When he appeared it was suddenly and noiselessly out of the dark shadow of the grove.
"I left Bells out in the sage," he said, one day at the end of that week.