'You hadn't met him—alone—before then?'
'No, never since that first time.'
'But why did you go there on Monday?'
'Oh, I can't—can't think! Something seemed to tell me to go there. I found there was some books come, and he was putting them on the shelves. He said he didn't want Gilbert to know—just for fun—and I promised not to say anything.'
'You mean last Monday? This week?'
'Yes. Not before then. And it seems—oh, it seems a month ago, Lyddy!'
She lay back, pressing Lydia's hand against her heart.
'But did he ask you to go again, dear?'
'No, he didn't. It was all myself. Lyddy, I couldn't keep away. I couldn't. Will you believe I'm telling the truth? I tried—I did try so hard! I knew I oughtn't to go, because I wanted to so much. I knew it was wrong. I don't think I should have gone if Mrs. Grail hadn't forced me to go out for a walk, because she said it would take my headache away. I was holding myself back all the morning. And when I got out—I couldn't help it—I was drawn there! And then I asked him if I might come again to-day. He said I might, but I could see he thought it was wrong of me. And, Lyddy, he never came. I stayed there waiting. Oh, do you know what I suffered? I can't tell you!'
'My dearest, I know, I feel with you! But it will be better now you've told me. And to-night? Didn't you see him to-night?'