"I was reflecting. I never saw Margaret on such friendly terms with any man before. It makes me think the more seriously of this."
"Great heavens, Mr. Laurence, you can not suspect her! Hinchley is her cousin. They have been dear friends from childhood."
"She is my betrothed wife. She has no right to make herself a subject of comment."
"Come away!" she exclaimed, quickly; "come away!"
She took his hand and drew him back into the path.
"It is nothing," she repeated several times. "I am convinced that you are angry without cause."
"I believe so," replied Laurence—"I must believe it! But Margaret had better take care. I have borne a great deal. She shall not, by her folly or her vanity, make me ridiculous, nor will I be made a dupe."
"Such words, Mr. Laurence!"
"I mean them! As for Hinchley, if he make trouble between Margaret and me, I shall hold him guilty as if she were my wife."