“I don’t know.”
“Was it just chance?”
Grizel’s lip trembled.
“Cassandra, I loathe to preach; but I don’t believe it was!”
“How did you get here?”
“I walked. It’s the longest walk I’ve ever taken. I never came in by the north gate before. I’ve never turned up this path. I just—came!”
“I see. It was a coincidence, which you are trying to turn into a special guidance of Providence on my behalf. I’m sorry that I cannot recognise it in that light. I wish with all my heart that you had stayed away... What good do you suppose you are going to do?”
“The Lord knows,” said Grizel, shrugging. The next moment, with a startled air, she continued. “He does know! I said that without thinking, but it’s true... Won’t you let me help you, darling? I’m not a bit shocked, you see. I knew before, and I’m not a chicken,—I’m twenty-eight. I know that love doesn’t work to order. I was horribly afraid for you before that day on the cliff, and then of course I knew!”
“How many people have you told?”
Grizel was silent. Cassandra moved her shoulders with an impatient shrug.