“She looked puzzled.
“‘Never mind, I was only joking.’
“Then we were quite silent, faced with the future. I said slowly.
“‘And you brought me down here to tell me all this?’
“‘Yes. I am sorry if you are annoyed.’
“‘I am not annoyed, but it is late and I must go back to London to-night.’
“She came a little closer to me, and my pulses began to race.
“‘Why?’
“‘Well, my dear, I can’t stop here, can I?’
“She whispered,—