Edna Sartwell had a book in her hand, with a finger between the pages, but she walked up and down with another girl, talking in a low tone. Marsten hoped the book was an interesting one, and wished the girl would go into some secluded corner to read it; for he began to see that his enterprise was not going to be so easy of accomplishment as he expected, even though he had gained admittance to the grounds, which at first had seemed the most difficult move in the game. The book at last gave him the opportunity he sought: Edna and her companion stood together for a moment after their walk, then each went her separate way.
In a corner of the grounds was a secluded summerhouse, screened from the view of the school by a wilderness of trees and shrubs, almost out of hearing of the lively chatter that made the air merry elsewhere; and to this quiet spot Edna betook herself, reading the book as she walked, for the paths thither were evidently familiar to her. Marsten followed, slowly at first, then more quickly as the chances of observation lessened, his heart beating faster than the exertion he was making warranted. The girl was seated in the little châlet when Marsten’s figure darkened the entrance.
“Miss Sartwell,” was all he could say.
Edna sprang to her feet, letting the book fall to the floor, and looked at him with startled eyes that had no recognition in them.
“I see you don’t know me, and no wonder; for I did not wear gardener’s clothes when I stood last in your garden.”
A bright flush of pleasure overspread the girl’s face, and laughter came first to her eyes, then to her lips.
“How you frightened me!” she said, seeming anything but frightened, and quite unable to restrain her merriment, as her glance flashed up and down his uncouth apparel. “Have you become gardener here, then, or did you come over the wall?”
“The walls here are too high, or I might have attempted them. I am gardener for the day only, and merely to get a word with you.”
“With me? I thought the strike had happily ended. Haven’t you gone back to work? How did you get away?”
“Oh, there was no difficulty about that! I can always get a day off when I want it. Yes, I went back to work and have been busy ever since. I came here yesterday in the hope of seeing you. It was very important—for me, at least.”