We pottered about here and there among the scrub and masonry. Seen from above, the west tower, that which looks over to Trélivan, is the most complete; but the one to the south-west can be entered by climbing down half-effaced steps in the thickness of the wall. I descended. But there was nothing to see inside but the peep through a single loophole. Its walls chirped with grasshoppers, and a thin screen of oak gave it a roof. I was restless, and came out again. I wanted my letters from London. Then this interminable business would be quickly finished.
But London reminded me once more of Julia Oliphant, of what she was doing, of what she would do....
Madge was waiting for me when I re-ascended. The others were nowhere to be seen. And we no longer had the ruins to ourselves. Over by the zigzag path to the east of the rock I heard voices and the brushing of branches. But the colline is so overgrown with shrub that it is not difficult to lose anybody. Derry and Jennie could not be far away.
"I expect they're looking for blackberries," said Madge.
"Then they'll be on the sunny side," I replied; and I led her across the shady plateau.
Then suddenly Madge saw them, for she called "Be careful there, children!" They were standing on the brink of the southern tower, looking away into the brightness. Close to them a mountain-ash overhung the deep, and about the scabious at the foot of it butterflies hovered, part of the airy light. Her hand was on his shoulder, her white frock a luminosity of grey shadow. About one pink glowing ear her loosened hair was a radiance of coppery gold.
But the newly-come party was close behind us. Through the leaves I heard a rustle and a woman's voice suddenly raised.
"I'm sure I saw him come this way——"
"I should get rid of the little beast if I were you," a man's voice growled.
Then the woman's voice uplifted again. "Puppetty! Puppetty! Oh, you naughty boy!"