He knew how to move her. The reproachful words went to her heart. Care for him! He doubted that.
"You will come," he said, that exultant gleam in his eyes again, "my loyal little girl! I have a thousand things to say to you, and we can talk uninterruptedly then. When was your wedding to be?"
"Next Thursday."
"And this is Sunday night. To-morrow afternoon Gilbert will be here. You see how little time we have to spare, Norine. You must meet me, for on Thursday you shall be my wife—not his!"
"Norry! Norry!" more loudly this time, called the voice of Aunt Hetty, still in the doorway, "where on earth is the child?"
"Let me go—let me go!" Norine cried in terror, "she will be here directly."
"You will meet me to-morrow night, promise first?"
"Yes—yes—yes! Only let me go."
He obeyed. Retreating into the shadow of the trees, he watched her glide out in the moonlit path, and up to the gate. He heard her ascend the steps, and then Aunt Hetty's voice came to him again.
"Goodness gracious, child! where have you been? Do you want to get your death, out in your bare head and the dew falling like rain?"