"I did so at his request. He considered that he had given your father enough trouble, and knowing that in all probability he would have a long illness, he asked me to conceal his whereabouts, so that Mr. Cass should not come down."
"Oh, I understand. But about yourself, why did you hide?"
"In the first place I wanted to look after him. In the second, I did not wish to see you."
"Oh, thank you!" cried Ruth, highly indignant.
"Don t misunderstand me, he said, anxious Neil told me his story--the story you have got out of Mrs. Jent--and I did not feel justified in allowing anything so terrible to reach your ears. I knew that I was as wax in your hands, and that you would probably force me to tell; so I judged discretion to be the better part of valour, and kept away."
"I see. But I don't think your discretion will serve you in the long run. Here is a seat, and there are few people about. Now, Mr. Heron, sit down and tell me everything from the beginning."
"Oh, but----"
"I won't have any 'buts' about it," said Ruth, peremptorily. "I know the worst, but I know it only in fragments. I want to know the whole."
"Why?" asked Heron, taking his seat beside her.
"Can't you guess? Oh, you are stupid. Why, to help poor Neil, of course."