"But, indeed, it's often hard to find the way about it." I was not backward to take her hint.
"If you had a guide now----" I began.
"Why, yes, if I had a guide, Simon," she whispered gleefully.
"You could find the way, Cydaria, and your guide would be most----" "Most charitably engaged.

But then----" She paused, drooping the corners of her mouth in sudden despondency.
"But what then ?" "Why then, Mistress Barbara would be alone." I hesitated.

I glanced towards the house.

I looked at Cydaria.
"She told me that she wished to be alone," said I.
"No?
How did she say it ?" "I will tell you all about that as we go along," said I, and Cydaria laughed again..