"She is better," he said, in answer to Merefleet's conventional enquiry. "It was the heat, you know, that upset her."
"Yes," said Merefleet quietly. "I know."
Seton walked away restlessly, more as if he wished to keep on the move than to avoid Merefleet. He came back, however, after a few seconds.
"Look here, Merefleet," he said abruptly, "you may take offence, but you can't quarrel without my consent. For Heaven's sake, leave this place! You are doing more mischief than you have the smallest notion of."
There was that in his manner which roused the instinct of opposition in Merefleet.
"You will either tell me what you mean," he said, "or you need not expect to gain your point. Veiled hints, like anonymous letters, do not deserve any man's serious consideration."
Seton muttered something inaudible and became silent.
Merefleet waited for some moments and then began to move off. But the younger man instantly turned and detained him with an imperative hand.
"What I mean is this," he said, and the starlight on his face showed it to be very determined. "My cousin is not in a position to receive any man's attentions. She is not free. I have tried to persuade myself into thinking you want nothing but ordinary friendship. I should infinitely prefer to think that if you can assure me that I am justified in so doing."
"What is it to you?" said Merefleet.