"Ah, I beg your pardon," said the old man, bowing. "Chyd, stay where you are."
Millie was inside the yard, but Guinea was in the road, standing at the gate. "Come, my child!" the old man called. Millie ran to him and he took her in his arms. And he lifted her off the ground, slight creature that she was, and carried her up the steps.
Guinea took my arm and homeward we went, and not a word was spoken until we entered the dark woods.
"You saw Chyd?" she said.
"Yes, and the old gentleman wanted him to come out."
"To kneel at my feet so soon?"
"No, to welcome his sister. Are you so anxious for the time to come?"
"Yes," she answered, without hesitation.
"And is it because you love him?" I asked bitterly.
"You and I are to be the best of friends, Mr. Hawes, and you must not reproach me."