n subsequently abandoned for
one that he thought more becoming.

They shook hands. Externally Barfoot was the more agitated, and his
embarrassment appeared in the awkward words with which he began.

'I had made up my mind never to come until you let me know that I was
tried and acquitted But after all it is better to have reason on one's
side.'

'Much better,' replied Rhoda, with a smile which emphasized her
ambiguity.

She sat down, and he followed her example. Their relative positions
called to mind many a conversation they had held in this room.
Barfoot--he wore evening-dress--settled in the comfortable chair as
though he were an ordinary guest.

'I suppose you would never have written to me?'

'Never,' she answered quietly.

'Because you are too proud, or because the mystery is still a mystery?'

'There is no longer any mystery.'

Everard made a movement of surprise.

'Indeed? You have discovered what it all meant?'

'Yes, I know what it all meant.'

'Can you gratify my not unnatural curiosity?'

'I can say nothing about it, except that I know how the
misunderstanding arose.'

Rhoda was betraying the effort it had cost her to seem so
self-possessed when she entered. Her colour had deepened, and she spoke
hurriedly, unevenly.

'And it didn't occur to you that it would be a kindness, not
inconsistent with your dignity, to make me in some way acquainted with
this fact?'

'I feel no uneasiness on your account.'

Everard laughed.

'Splendidly frank, as of old. You really didn't care in the least how
much I suffered?'

'You misunderstand me. I felt sure that you didn't suffer at all.'

'Ah, I see. You imagined me calm in the assurance that I should some
day be justified.'

'I had every reason for imagining it,' rejoined Rhoda. 'Other wise, you
would have given some sign.'

Of course he had deeply offended her by his persistent silence. He had
intended to do so first of all; and afterwards--had thought it might be
as well. Now that he had got over the difficulty of the meeting he
enjoyed his sense of security. How the interview would end he know not;
but on his side there would be nothing hasty, unconsidered, merely
emotional. Had Rhoda any new revelation of personality within her
resources?--that was the question. If so, he would be pleased to
observe it. If not--why, it was only the end to which he had long ago
looked forward.

'It was not for me to give any sign,' he remarked.

'Yet yo