at had happened. And I daresay ... they
are quite justified."

"And how many times have you seen him since?"

"Never till the other day, when he nearly ran over William."

"And how long ago is it since all this happened?"

"Nearly six years."

"Don't you think it's about time you put it all out of your mind?"

"I had put it out of my mind ... till ... you came."

"It didn't make any difference to me."

"I shall never forget that," Meg said, so low that the rattle of the
train wholly drowned her remark, but it couldn't conceal her smile.

Miles lost his head. He kneeled down plump on the floor of that
compartment and took her in his arms and kissed her.

* * * * * * * *

"All the same, I don't believe I can marry you," she said later.

"Why on earth not?"

"Because I don't think I'm a suitable wife for you."

"Surely I'm the best judge of that."

"No, you're not a judge at all. You think you're in love with me...."

"I'm hanged if I do--I _know_."

"Because you're sorry for me----"

"On the contrary, I'm sorry for myself. I think you're a hard-hearted
... obstinate ... little...."

Mr. Withells would have been scandalised at the conduct of Miles. He
would undoubtedly have described it as both "insanitary and improper."

"Oh, please listen!" Meg gasped. "Perhaps a long time hence ... if
you're still of the same mind...."

"Anyway, may I tell people?"

"Not a soul. I won't have my Jan worried just now. I've undertaken those
children ... and she's having a bad time with that brother-in-law----"

"I say, Meg, what is it about that chap Tancred? I can't stick him....
Is he a bad egg, or what?"

"He is...."

"Poor Miss Ross! But why does she have him there?"

"Oh, it's a long story--and here we are at the junction, and I'm not
going on first to Amber Guiting--so there!"

* * * * *

Jan in the pony-cart was waiting outside when Meg came from the little
station. Captain Middleton followed in her train, laden with parcels
like a Father Christmas.

He packed her and the parcels in, covered both the ladies with the
dust-holland, announced that he had bought a charger, and waited to get
into the Manor motor till they had driven out of the station.

They neither of them spoke till they had turned into the road. Then Jan
quoted softly: "When I go to see my poor little papa, I shall go by
train _by myself_."

CH