In crossing the Hall an hour later, Ellen met him face to face. He was coming out of Mr. North's parlour as she was passing it. No one was about; they were quite alone.
"Arthur," she softly said, smiling at him and putting out her hand.
He went red and white, and hot and cold. He lifted his hat, which he was wearing, having come in through the glass-doors, and politely murmured some words that sounded like "I beg your pardon:" but he did not attempt to touch her offered hand. And then he turned and traversed the room back to the garden.
It seemed as though she had received her death-blow. There could no longer be any doubt or misapprehension after this, as to what the future was to be. And Ellen Adair crept into the empty drawing-room, and leaned her aching brow against the window frame.
Presently Matilda North entered. The young lady had her curiosity even as her mother, and fancied some one was in sight.
"What are you looking at, Miss Adair?"
"Nothing," answered Ellen, lifting her head. And in truth she had not been looking out at all.
"Ah! I see," significantly spoke Miss North.
Walking slowly side by side along a distant path, went Captain Bohun and Miss Dallory. Matilda, acting on a hint from madam, would not lose the opportunity.
"Captain Bohun is losing no time, is he?"