"Forgive me, if I came near running you down," he said, with laughter in his eyes, and taking off his hat; "it was neck or nothing with me, after I once got one downward plunge. I inquired for you at the castle, and they told me that you had just gone out of sight in this direction, so I followed and am here."
Clara held out her hand, with the sweet, joyous laugh of a pleased child. She was very happy, just then, and he saw it in her eyes.
"But you have been long in coming," she said. "I told grandmamma about our journey together, and she has been expecting you at Houghton every day."
"And you?"
"Of course, I have been dreadfully disappointed. Are you aware that it is more than a fortnight since you bought those peaches for me?"
"But you will approve my reasons for keeping away, when I tell you what they are."
"Perhaps—I doubt it; but tell me."
"You will not be angry?"
"No."
"Not if I tell you the plain truth like an honest man?"