Poll thanked her eagerly and gratefully, and in a few minutes, having made a circuit behind the ruin, sought the lower and richer country by a different path.
Mary unconsciously stood for some time after Poll had left her, meditating over the strange and almost unaccountable scene which had just taken place, when a rich voice, with which she was well acquainted, addressed her.

She started, and on turning about, found Francis Harman before her.

Twilight had now nearly passed away, and the dusk of evening was deepening into the darkness of a summer night.
"What on earth are you thinking of alone in this place, my dear Mary, and who was that woman who just left you ?" Mary, though firm of character, was also tender and warm of heart, and felt deeply for those she loved.

The interview with Poll, therefore, had excited apprehensions concerning Harman's safety, which disturbed her far more than any she felt for herself.

He gave her his right arm as he spoke, and they went on towards her father's house.
"Good God," he exclaimed, before she had time to answer him, "what has disturbed or alarmed you, my sweet Mary?
I feel your heart beating against my arm, in a most extraordinary manner.