Where was he then? How employed—marching or fighting, in peril or in safety? Did he think of her often, and with anger? Would he ever come back to her, and afford a chance of explanation and reconciliation? Ah no! it was more than probable their paths in life would never cross each other again.
Tears welled in her eyes as she went over in memory some episodes of the past. She saw again his eager eyes and handsome face so near her own, heard his tender and pleading voice in her ear, and recalled the touch of his lips and the clasp of his firm white hand.
Another hand touched her shoulder, and she recoiled with a shudder on seeing Shafto.
'What is this I hear,' said he; 'that you think of leaving Craigengowan?'
'Yes,' she replied, curtly.
'Because I have returned, I presume?'
'Yes.'
His countenance darkened as he asked:
'But—why so?'
'Because I loathe that the same roof should be over you and me. Think of what your infamous cunning has caused!'