"I could not say I had forgotten you, for it would not be true, Mr. Heron."
"Thank you; that was very prettily said, and kindly."
"Was it? I really didn't mean it to be either pretty or kind—only the truth."
"I see, you go in for being downright, and saying only what you mean. I am very glad. So do I, and I am very much delighted to meet you here, Miss Grey. Come, you won't say as much for me?"
"I cannot say that I was glad to see anybody just here; this place is always deserted, except by me."
"You come here often, and you are sorry to have your retreat broken in upon? Don't hesitate to say so, Miss Grey, and I will promise not to come into this part of the park—or into any part of the park for that matter—any more. Why should I disturb you?"
He spoke with such earnestness and such evident sincerity that Minola began to feel ashamed of her previous ungraciousness.
"That would be rather hard upon you, and a little arrogant on my part," she said smiling. "The park isn't mine, and, if it were, I am sure I could not be selfish enough to wish to shut you out from any part of it. But I am in the habit of being a good deal alone; and I fear it makes me a little rude and selfish sometimes. I was thinking of that just as I came up here, and saw you."
"Then you saw me before I saw you?"
"Oh, yes."