"Good news travels fast, Mr. Churchill. The fact of your forthcoming marriage is known at Bissett."
"My forthcoming marriage? It's a joke, Miss Lexden?"
"We have heard it as a fact."
"And you believed it?" said Churchill, turning white, while his lip trembled visibly as he spoke.
"Why should I not?" After a pause, and in a low voice, "Then you are not going to be married?"
"Married, no! Miss Lexden, you must now listen patiently to what I should otherwise have kept secret, knowing the folly I have been guilty of. If ever I marry, Barbara Lexden will be my wife!"
She started, and seemed about to speak.
"One moment more," said he. "You know how completely I understand the difference in our position?" (An impatient gesture from Barbara.) "My sensitiveness, pride--call it what you will--would have kept me silent. Now I have spoken, and--Barbara--you must not keep me in suspense. Could it ever be possible?"
Perfectly colourless, she leant against the stile, but said nothing.
"Miss Lexden, you must end this doubt."