“Then what was the meaning of the walk on the beach to-day?”

“Harry sought for it, and said that we had been playfellows from children, that he loved me very dearly, and he asked me to be his wife.”

“The—”

Van Heldre checked himself.

“And what did you say?”

“That it was impossible.”

“Then you do not care for him?”

Madelaine was silent.

“Then you do not care for him?”

“I’m afraid I care for him very much indeed,” said Madelaine firmly.