It was Hal Vivian, certainly, and with a face pale, anxious, and marked with lines of sorrow.
He took her extended hands; he saw how her face lighted up with pleasure at meeting him; it was an expression scarcely to be misunderstood or observed, by him at least, with apathy; he saw, too, the crimson flush upon her cheek, and perhaps his own became of as deep a hue.
“It is strange that we have met here, Miss Wilton,” he replied, trying to clear his voice, and to speak with a firm tone. “I did not foresee that you would visit this retired spot; indeed, I myself found it out yesterday only, and struck by its quiet beauty, revisited it this morning.”
“You have then been in the neighbourhood some days at least,” said Flora, with surprise, and added, in a reproachful tone, “you have not called to see my father or—or myself. What have we done, Mr. Vivian, to occasion on your part such singular conduct; have we offended you? You surely should know we would not lightly do that.”
“No, no—oh, not offended me,” replied Hal, quickly and earnestly. “No, it is not that.”
“Why should you, Mr. Vivian, if not offended, refrain from paying us a visit—if even one of mere ceremony?” she returned, with a slightly pouting lip.
“Because—because—pardon me, Miss Wilton, if I speak with too much plainness. I would not, for my own happiness, pain or wound you, but I feel some explanation of my recent and future conduct is due to you, at least. In offering this explanation I may be inflicting upon you some disquiet; if I should, I ask in anticipation your pardon, for I may not swerve from the truth in what I shall reveal, and you will judge that, whatever may be its effect, it has not been uttered with any intention to displease you.”
He took Flora by the hand, and led her to the spot where he had been reclining, and begged her to be seated there while he addressed her.
She went unresistingly and complied with his request. Her heart beat violently, her ears burned and tingled, and she could see nothing but the green tremulous grass at her feet.
Yet she heard clearly and distinctly; every tone of his rich, musical voice seemed to vibrate upon her heart, and to bury itself therein, and she felt as if she could sit thus and listen to him for ever.