"I didn't mean to offend you," she said.
"You didn't offend me," he replied quickly. "I merely wished you to know that I wasn't a brigand."
Victoria smiled.
"I really didn't think so—you are much too solemn. I have to go now, and—you haven't told me anything."
She crossed the road and began to descend the path on the other side. Twice he glanced back, after he had started, and once surprised her poised lightly among the leaves, looking over her shoulder.
CHAPTER V
THE PARTING OF THE WAYS
The next time Austen visited the hospital Mr. Meader had a surprise in store for him. After passing the time of day, as was his custom, the patient freely discussed the motives which had led him to refuse any more of Victoria's fruit.
"I hain't got nothing against her," he declared; "I tried to make that plain. She's as nice and common a young lady as I ever see, and I don't believe she had a thing to do with it. But I suspicioned they was up to somethin' when she brought them baskets. And when she give me the message from old Flint, I was sure of it."
"Miss Flint was entirely innocent, I'm sure," said Austen, emphatically.