hands, as he groaned--

"More than old enough to be her father!"

Volume 2, Chapter XI.

MISUNDERSTANDING.

Meanwhile Trevor had gone along the lane, evidently meaning to make a
call at Tolcarne. He was walking with his head bent down, thinking very
deeply over what Pratt had said, when he stopped short with a start; for
there, just in front, and gazing at him in a startled way, was little
Polly.

He nodded to her and passed on; but ere he had gone a dozen yards, he
turned sharp round and retraced his steps, calling to the girl to stop.

"I'll get to the bottom of it at once," he said. "Here, Polly."

The little girl turned, and stood trembling before him, her face like
fire, but her eyes full of tears.

"Did you call me, sir?" she faltered.

"Yes, my little maid, I want a few words with you."

"Oh, sir, please--pray don't speak to me!" faltered the girl, bursting
into tears.

"Why, you silly child, what are you afraid of?" cried Trevor, catching
her by the wrist. "Look here, tell me this, and don't be afraid."

"No--no, sir," faltered the girl.

"Tell me now, honestly--there, there, stop that crying, for goodness'
sake! Any one would think I was an ogre. I hate to see a woman
crying."

"Please, sir, I am trying," sobbed the girl.

"Now, then, I want to know this--you have often met me here--do you come
to meet Humphrey?"

"No, sir."

"Then why the deuce--there--there, I don't mean that--tell me why you do
come?"

"Aunt sends me to walk here, sir; but please don't say I told you, or
she will be so angry."

"Then you don't want to come and walk here?"

"Oh no, sir! I would much rather not," exclaimed the girl, eagerly.

"Your aunt sends you, then?" said Trevor, looking at her searchingly,
while she gazed up in his eyes like a dove before a hawk.

"Ye-yes, sir!"

"Do you know why?"

The girl's face grew fiery red now, even to the roots of her hair, and
as she looked appealingly at him, he flung her hand angrily from him.

"There, go back," he exclaimed. "I'm not cross with you, but--there, go
home."

The girl sprang away, evidently frightened to death, and weeping
bitterly, to pass these people--she could not tell whom--as she held
down her head; but Trevor saw, and he knew that they saw him, and must
have witnessed part of the interview; for the party consisted of Tiny
Rea, her sister, and Mr Mervyn.

"Was ever anything so provoking?" muttered Trevor, as they bowed and
passe