"I had your letter," said Ronald, in a low whisper, in her ear.
"And you understood my reasons?" she asked, though her lips grew white.
He bowed, thinking she alluded to her crime.
"Is it true?" he asked, huskily.
"Yes; God forgive me, it is," she replied, thinking he was referring to her sister's sin.
Ronald gave a shudder, and turned away as white as a sheet.
"From her own lips," he muttered; "it is impossible; I'll ask her again."
Ah me, how often cross purposes mar our lives!
After that the party went down to the boats to luncheon, and Sir Mark, delighted to see the young men, asked them to dinner.
"We dine at seven," he said, hospitably, "where are you stopping?"