Liane was so nervous she could not speak at first, and he continued gently:
"It was rather imprudent for a young girl like you to be walking out alone after nightfall. Did you not know it, Miss Lester?"
She faltered nervously:
"Oh, yes, I knew it! I was frightened almost to death, but I—I could not help it!"
"Why?"
"My employer sent me on an errand to Cliffdene, and I was detained there until after dark."
"They should have sent some one to see you safely home."
"Yes," Liane answered, shivering, but not making any explanation. She hated in her simple, girlish pride to have him know how she had been treated by Roma Clarke.
"I—I must be going now. Thank you ever so much for coming to my rescue," she added, stooping to gather her roses, that lay scattered on the sands.