"I need have no fear," said Awdrey, in absolute astonishment. "What in the world do you mean? What are you talking about?"
Hetty looked full up into the Squire's face. The unconscious and unembarrassed gaze with which he returned her look evidently took her breath away.
"I made a mistake," she said in a whisper. "I see that I made a mistake. I'd rather not say what I came to say."
"But you must say it, Hetty; you have something more to tell me, or you wouldn't have taken all this trouble to wait by the roadside on the chance of my passing. What is it? Out with it now, like a good girl."
"May I walk along a little bit with you, Mr. Robert?"
"You may as far as the next corner. There our roads part, and you must go home."
Hetty shivered. She gave the Squire another furtive and undecided glance.
"Shall I tell him?" she whispered to herself.
Awdrey glanced at her, and spoke impatiently.
"Come, Hetty; remember I'm waiting to hear your story. Out with it now, be quick about it."