The dark, sinister-looking stranger who had insulted Liane Lester on the beach had rowed back to shore as soon as Devereaux was out of sight.
He was interested in Roma Clarke, as his questions to Liane had plainly shown.
He came slowly, cautiously, up to the gate, his heart leaping with hope as he saw a beautiful head leaning over it that he hoped and believed must be Roma's herself.
"What luck for me, and what a shock for her!" he muttered grimly, as he advanced.
At the same moment Mrs. Clarke was sending Roma's maid out with a message that it was so chilly she ought to come in, or she might take cold.
She would not listen to her husband's remonstrance that Roma was with her lover, and might not wish to be interrupted.
"Jesse can come in, too; I am sure he would not wish Roma to get sick out in the night air with nothing on her head!" cried the anxious mother.
"How you love that girl!" he cried testily, and she laughed sweetly.
"Are you getting jealous of my love for our daughter, dear? You need not, for the first place in my heart is yours, but remember how devoted I have always been to Roma, ever since she was born."
"I know, but has she ever seemed to show the right appreciation of your devotion?" he exclaimed abruptly.