"That is, you are going away to avoid me," he said. "Have you considered that this might not only render circumstances unpleasant for you, but be unnecessary?"
Lilian looked at him steadily, for she was not lacking in courage.
"I am my own mistress; and they are distinctly unpleasant already."
Every word of the answer cost Dane an effort, but he determined to finish his task.
"I can realize that they must be so," he said. "I am not clever at expressing myself, and what I have to say is difficult to me, but I cannot allow you to be driven away. We are both master of our own inclinations, are we not?—and you have my word that, if you can trust me, it really isn't necessary."
There was no doubt about the relief in Lilian's face; and though it hurt the man to see it, he held out his hand.
"We shall be good friends once more; and that implies a good deal, does it not?" he said. "Promise so much, and I will engage that you have no further perplexity."
Lilian felt very grateful.
"I think I can promise that, now that we understand," she replied.
"Then it is a compact," said Dane, hiding his own regret manfully. "As a change, you might tell me why your uncle finds such satisfaction in destroying his neighbor's fences. He even said it was a pity I did not tear my hand more seriously."