"Yes," breathed Miss Boyle.
A silence followed and the bells ceased; the sun had set, and all colour faded from the sky. Miss Boyle stooped and picked up the few roses still upon the grass.
"You understand?" she asked.
"I understand," answered the Earl.
"You must go."
"I would not," he said softly, "dare to stay."
She smiled in an absorbed manner, and turned down the rose alley. As they walked together they spoke a little, in low voices, of common things, words with no meaning, but of sweet sound, and a great regret touched my lord's fickle heart.
She came with him to the gate.
"Do you still bid me go?"
"Farewell!" she said.