It is not pleasant to be called a fool, even by a recognized member of the fraternity.
He had taken but a few steps when there was a rustle in the wet grass behind him.
"Mr.Ellery," whispered a voice, "Mr.Ellery, may I speak to you just a moment ?" He wheeled in surprise.
"Why! why, Miss Van Horne!" he exclaimed.

"Is it you ?" "Mr.Ellery," she began, speaking hurriedly and in a low voice, "I--I felt that I must say a word to you before--" She paused and glanced back at the chapel.

Ezekiel Bassett, the janitor, having extinguished the last lamp, had emerged from the door and was locking up.

In another moment he clumped past them in the middle of the road, the circle of light from his lantern just missing them as they stood in the grass at the side under the hornbeam and blackberry bushes.
He was alone; Sukey B.had gone on before, other and younger masculine escort having been providentially provided.
Mr.Bassett was out of hearing before Grace finished her sentence.

The minister was silent, waiting and wondering.
"I felt," she said, "that I must see you and--explain.