"_I will be in the West Avenue, near the Lake, this afternoon at three o'clock._"
That afternoon she made some excuse and went out, as she said to Zillah, for a walk through the Park. As this was a frequent thing with her, it excited no comment. The West Avenue led from the door through the Park, and finally, after a long detour, ended at the main gate. At its farthest point there was a lake, surrounded by a dense growth of Scotch larch-trees, which formed a very good place for such a tryst--although, for that matter, in so quiet a place as Chetwynde Park, they might have met on the main avenue without any fear of being noticed. Here, then, at three o'clock, Hilda went, and on reaching the spot found Gualtier waiting for her.
She walked under the shadow of the trees before she said a word.
"You are punctual," said she at last.
"I have been here ever since noon."
"You did not go out, then?"
"No, I staid here for you."
His tone expressed the deepest devotion, and his eyes, as they rested on her for a moment, had the same expression.
Hilda looked at him benignantly and encouragingly.
"You have been gone long, and I dare say you have been gone far," she said. "It is this which I want to hear about. Have you found out any thing, and what have you found out?"