He looked steadily into her face, and a suspicion stole serpent-like into his mind. His breath came slow and laboured. A veil formed before his eyes. Was that it—that which he feared?
Then, in a subdued voice, he said, 'Winefred, we cannot remain longer here, and I must know the meaning of this.'
'We cannot remain, and you will not ask.'
'I hear steps. Some one is coming. We must meet again.'
'Better for both if we part here, and for ever.'
CHAPTER XLIII
A REFUSAL
Winefred descended the path to meet her mother, who was slowly mounting the path.
'You have been long,' said Jane.