‘Would you like to know the whole truth?’

It was a very cold night, and a keen wind swept the platform; but Jessica, though indifferently clad, felt no discomfort from this cause. Yet she pressed closer to her companion, so that her cheek all but touched his shoulder.

‘Of course I should,’ Barmby answered. ‘Is there any mystery?’

‘I oughtn’t to tell.’

‘Then you had better not. But why did you begin?’

‘You ought to know.’

‘Why ought I to know?’

‘Because you—.’ She broke off. A sudden chill made her teeth chatter.

‘Well—why?’ asked Samuel, with impatience.

‘Are you—are you in love with her?’