and tried to divert his companion from her
purpose. He knew well why she had chosen that exposed position for their
interview. Now, as her outstretched hand embarrassed him, he made
reprisal; he tried to take it in his in a tender manner.

She instantly drew back her hand and put it behind her in a decided
manner. She was determined that whatever might happen she would not let
any watcher at the windows, by chance or otherwise, see any sign of
tenderness on her part. Leonard, thinking that his purpose had been
effected, went on, breathing more freely:

'Your letter wasn't much. Except of course that it gave me the
opportunity of listening to what you said; to all your sweet words. To
your more than sweet proposal!'

'Yes! It must have been sweet to have any one, who was in a position to
do so, offer to help you when you knew that you were overwhelmed with
debts!' The words were brutal. Stephen felt so; but she had no
alternative. Leonard had some of the hard side of human nature; but he
had also some of the weak side. He went on blindly:

'I have been thinking ever since of what you said, and I want to tell you
that I would like to do as you wish!' As he spoke, his words seemed even
to him to be out of place. He felt it would be necessary to throw more
fervour into the proceedings. The sudden outburst which followed
actually amused Stephen, even in her state of fear:

'Oh, Stephen, don't you know that I love you! You are so beautiful! I
love you! I love you! Won't you be my wife?'

This was getting too much to close quarters. Stephen said in a calm,
business-like way:

'My dear Leonard, one thing at a time! I came out here, you know, to
speak of your debts; and until that is done, I really won't go into any
other matter. Of course if you'd rather not . . . ' Leonard really
could not afford this; matters were too pressing with him. So he tried
to affect a cheery manner; but in his heart was a black resolve that she
should yet pay for this.

'All right! Stephen. Whatever you wish I will do; you are the queen of
my heart, you know!'

'How much is the total amount?' said Stephen.

This was a change to the prosaic which made sentiment impossible. He
gave over, for the time.

'Go on!' said Stephen, following up her advantage. 'Don't you even know
how much you owe?'

'The fact is, I don't. Not exactly. I shall make up the amount as well
as I can and let you know. But that's not what