"Then I may rely upon you to keep this absolutely to yourself?" she heard Mr. Brown say earnestly.
"I give you my word, sir!" her father answered. Then they turned round, and she saw that Mr. Brown looked distinctly annoyed.
"However did you come here, Helen?" her father asked, suddenly remembering her presence.
"I came for a walk, and met Mr. Brown in the plantation," she explained.
"Well, since you are here," he remarked good humoredly, "you must help me to induce Mr. Brown to come back to the Court. So far, we have been wretched neighbors. We shall insist upon his dining with us, just to show that there's no ill-feeling," he added, smiling. "Now, no excuses."
"Thank you, but I never go out," Mr. Brown answered. "I have not even any clothes here. So——"
"Please come, Mr. Brown," she said softly.
He flashed a sudden glance at her from his dark eyes, which brought the color streaming into her cheeks. Fortunately, twilight was commencing to fall, and she was standing a little back in the shadow of the plantation.
"If Miss Thurwell wishes it," he said, in a tone of a man who offers himself to lead a forlorn hope, "it is settled. I will come."