She could not guess that the boy who had picked up the half sovereign for Colonel Vaughan would give Owen the history of the same, and would tell him that Gladys had dropped it, but that he was pretty sure she had more money in her hand.
Unconscious of anything but sunshine above and within, she hastened on, thinking of Owen, in spite of her resolution not to think of him--a resolution she was making and breaking from morning till night.

Her thoughts were turned into another channel, however, by the appearance of Colonel Vaughan, who suddenly came upon her from one of the many cross-paths in the wood.
She curtseyed slightly, and was about to pass him, but he turned and walked with her.
'Gladys,' he began, 'I wish to know why you refused the money I offered you yesterday.' 'Because, sir, I did not think it right to take it,' answered Gladys, promptly.
'Why! what harm could there have been ?' Gladys quickened her steps, but did not answer.
'Not so fast, Gladys.

I have you at last, in spite of yourself.

You have avoided me hitherto, both when you were at Prothero's and here, and purposely misunderstood me--now you must walk through the wood with me, and at my pace, for I must speak to you.' 'Sir, Miss Gwynne expects me early,' said Gladys, with wonderful dignity of manner, which was not lost upon the colonel--'_she_ is my mistress, and I must obey her.

I shall be obliged by your letting me go on.' 'We will both go on, but leisurely and together.