"A man, and therefore wiser," said she as they went on together among the roses. "And pray why did you seek death?" she questioned softly.
"Because I had lost the woman I loved."
"So then you—have—loved?"
"As a boy of twenty may," he answered. "She—I was an ensign without influence and prospects and—they forced her to wed a wealthier than I."
"O! And she did?" Lady Betty stopped to stamp an angry foot.
"Indeed they—compelled her——"
"Major John sir, no woman that is a woman can be compelled in her affections!"
"She was very young."
"Pooh, sir! I am not yet a withered and wrinkled crone, yet no one shall or should compel me!" And here, with a prodigious flutter of her print gown, my lady seated herself on rustic bench beside the sundial.
"No indeed," said he, "you are—are different." At this she flashed him a swift up-glance and, meeting his gaze, dimpled, drew aside her garments' ample folds and graciously, motioned him beside her. The Major sat down.