'There is not, in reality, Armorel, any reason, except that you did not know anything about me.'
'Oh! but I saw you and talked with you.'
'Yes; but that was not enough. We do not ask people into our houses unless we know something about them.'
'I could see that you were a gentleman.'
'You are very good to think so. Let me try to justify that belief. But, Armorel, seriously, there are thieves and rogues and wicked men in the world. Some of these may come to Scilly. Do not ask another stranger. Believe me, it is dangerous. As for me, you have shown me your flower-farm and have entertained me hospitably: let me thank you and take my departure.'
'Go away? Take your departure? Why?' Armorel looked ready to cry. 'You have only just come. You have seen nothing.'
'Do you wish me to stay another night?'
'Of course I do. What is it, Roland Lee? You have got something on your mind. Why should you not stay?'
'I should like somebody,' he replied, weakly, 'to approve. If the Ancestress, or even Dorcas, or Chessun herself, would approve——'
'Why, of course Dorcas approves. She says it is the best thing in the world for me to have someone here to talk to. She said so yesterday evening, and again this morning.'