urried up the grassy track, and on turning the corner
came suddenly upon the object of his search. She was standing on the
bank of the hedge-row, and struggling with a bough of honeysuckle from
which she wished to pluck its last remaining autumn bloom. So engaged
was she that she did not hear his step, and it was not until his hard
voice grated on her ear, that she knew that she was trapped.

"Caught at last. You have given me a pretty hunt, Angela."

The violent start she gave effectually carried out her purpose as
regards the honeysuckle, which snapped in two under the strain of her
backward jerk, and she turned round upon him panting with fear and
exertion, the flowery bough grasped within her hand.

"Am I, then, a wild creature, that you should hunt me so?"

"Yes, you are the loveliest and the wildest of creatures, and, now I
have caught you, you must listen to me."

"I will not listen to you; you have nothing to say to me that can
interest me. I will not listen to you."

George laughed a little--a threatening, nervous laugh.

"I am accustomed to have my own way, Angela, and I am not going to
give it up now. You must and you shall listen. I have got my
opportunity at last, and I mean to use it. I am sorry to have to speak
so roughly, but you have only yourself to thank; you have driven me to
it."

His determination frightened her, and she took refuge in an armour of
calm and freezing contempt.

"I don't understand you," she said.

"On the contrary, you understand me very well. You always avoid me; I
can never see you, try how I will. Perhaps," he went on, still talking
quite quietly, "if you knew what a hell there is in my heart and brain
you would not treat me so. I tell you that I am in torture," and the
muscles of the pallid face twitched in a way that went far to confirm
his words.

"I do not understand your meaning, unless, indeed, you are trying to
frighten and insult me, as you have done before," answered Angela.

Poor girl, she did not know what else to say; she was not of a nervous
disposition, but there was something about George's manner that
alarmed her very much, and she glanced anxiously around to see if any
one was within call, but the place was lonely as the grave.

"There is no need for you to look for help, I wish neither to frighten
nor insult you; my suit is an honourable one enough. I wish you to
promise to marry me, that is all; you must and shall promise it, I
will take no refu