He gave her his hand, pushed aside the trees, and they soon found themselves in a dim little world of soft green twilight. There was a narrow path on which they could not walk abreast. Awdrey now took the lead, Margaret following him. After walking for half a mile the wood grew thinner, and they found themselves far away from their companions, and on a part of the plain which was quite new ground to Margaret.
"How lovely and enchanting it is here," she said, giving a low laugh of pleasure.
"I am glad you like it," said Awdrey. "I discovered that path to these heights only a week ago. I never told a soul about it. For all you can tell your feet may now be treading on virgin ground."
As Awdrey spoke he panted slightly, and put his hand to his brow.
"Is anything the matter with you?" asked Margaret.
"Nothing; I was never better in my life."
"You don't look well; you're changed."
"Don't say that," he answered, a faint ring of anxiety in his voice.
She gazed at him earnestly.
"You are," she repeated. "I don't quite recognize the expression in your eyes."