CHAPTER XXI.
THE BROTHERS.
During this short conversation between Rowland and Miss Gwynne, Gladys was still playing with the children at no great distance from them.

With all a woman's penetration, she had guessed Rowland's secret during his mother's illness, and had perceived no symptoms of attachment on the part of Miss Gwynne; and now, with all a woman's pity, she was watching him from afar.

She had seen them standing together, had marked the hasty bow and retreat of the lady, and the immoveable attitude of the gentleman; she saw that he continued to stand where Miss Gwynne had left him, as if he were a statue; she guessed something must have passed between them.
As twilight was fairly come on, she told the schoolmistress that she must go home, and begged her to see that the children dispersed when she thought best.

Owen, who was in the midst of a game of cricket with the boys, was as well aware of all Gladys's movements as if he had been by her side.

He saw that she was shaking hands with the mistress, and that the children were imploring her to stay a little longer.