"Gwen, you don't dislike me?" he asked entreatingly.
"No, I certainly do not. I like you, and so does Mrs. Perage."
"Please leave Mrs. Perage out of the conversation. Does your saying that you like me mean that you love me?"
"Liking doesn't mean love."
"It's a step in the right direction, anyhow," said Hench cheerfully. "See here, Gwen, I have little to offer you, but with that little I give my heart. Now if----"
"Don't say anything more just now," interrupted the girl, much distressed. "I cannot answer you."
"You can say yes, or no."
"I don't wish to say no."
"Then that means yes!" cried Hench triumphantly, and his heart beat rapidly.
"No"--Gwen pulled away the hand he had taken--"there is something you must know about me. I did not intend to tell you, but since you have spoken, I must be frank." She drew a long breath, while Owain fixed his brown eyes keenly on her disturbed face. "Have you heard anything against me in the village?"