So they walked along without a word.
Falcon followed them at some distance to see whether it was an admirer or only an acquaintance.

A lover he never dreamed of; she had shown such evident pleasure in his company, and had received his visits alone so constantly.
However, when the pair had got to the beach, and were walking slower and slower, he felt a pang of rage and jealousy, turned on his heel with an audible curse, and found Phoebe Dale a few yards behind him with a white face and a peculiar look.

He knew what the look meant; he had brought it to that faithful face before to-day.
"You are better, Miss Lusignan." "Better, Dr.Staines?
I am health itself thanks to--hem!" "Our estrangement has agreed with you ?" This very bitterly.
"You know very well it is not that.

Oh, please don't make me cry in the streets." This humble petition, or rather meek threat, led to another long silence.

It was continued till they had nearly reached the shore.
But, meantime, Rosa's furtive eyes scanned Christopher's face, and her conscience smote her at the signs of suffering.