"But I do care," she answered impulsively, "and care lots and lots more than I can tell you."
He kissed her again, and then taking her arm, he led her into the house. Bolting the front door, he followed her into the library.
She was standing against the fireplace when he entered, and she noticed that his eyes were unusually bright.
"I have been to Hillside Farm," he said, and a broad smile spread itself over his face.
"To Hillside Farm?" she questioned.
"Young Penlogan has had some business affairs of mine in hand, and to-night we have settled it."
She stared at him with a look of wonder in her eyes, but did not reply.
"It's been a ticklish task, and, of course, I have said nothing about it. But I've been in high hopes ever since I came back. Penlogan is really a remarkable fellow."
"Yes?" she questioned, wondering more than ever.
"It's a curious turn of the tables," he went on; "but he's behaved splendidly, and there's no denying it. He might have heaped coals of fire on my head at every point. He might—but—well, after one straight talk—not another word. He's behaved like a gentleman—perhaps I ought to say like a Christian. No conditions! Not a condition. No. Having made up his mind to do the straight thing, he's carried it through. It's been coals of fire, all the same. I've never felt so humbled in my life before. I could wish—but there, it's too late to wish now. He's spared me all he could. I'm bound to say that for him, and he's carried it through——"