"Take it," she said. "I was in a bad temper just now. Lady Adela may have it."
"Will you, indeed, be so kind?" he exclaimed, radiant with pleasure. "But, indeed, you must not give your whole morning's work for nothing. Let me—"
He put his hand into his pocket and brought out a shining gold piece.
"Thank you, my lord," said Leonora, demurely, as she received the money into her palm. "I shall be able to buy myself a new dress with this."
"You are not angry?" he said, struck by an inexplicable something in her tone.
"Oh, no; I am very glad to be so well paid for my work," she answered, with the same demure air; and then she said, suddenly: "Good-morning," and walked away from him.
He followed her.
"Are you going home alone, Miss West?"
"No; I have a small escort hereabouts, if he has not eaten my lunch and run away," she replied, carelessly.