"What is Mrs. Hughes like?" she asked.
"She looks ill and worn now, but she used to be a pretty girl when I knew her." Then, in rather a stern tone, he added: "She was engaged to be married to me before she went out to India." Sidney drew her breath in sharply.
"And I was engaged to him," she said simply, "or thought I was."
They were crossing the old orchard. He turned round quickly, and, before Sidney realised it, both her hands were imprisoned in his.
"Isn't it a remarkable thing that the two who wrought havoc in our lives should be brought before us, to-night of all nights?"
"Why?" asked Sidney gently.
"Because I am hoping that we have both learnt not to regret the past. I know I have. Have you?"
Sidney raised her eyes to his, the eyes that Randolph loved so to meet, so clear and deep and sweet were they under their long curled lashes.
"Yes," she said. "I have no regrets."
Then he spoke, and strong man as he was, his voice was a little husky, and he paled under his emotion.