.

The time came when they passed into the grounds of the Court, and then
she thought of something else which she must say to him.

"We have a visitor, Bernard--only one; but I'm afraid you don't like
him."

Something told him who it was. He stopped short in the path.

"Not Sir Allan Beaumerville?"

She nodded.

"Yes. I'm so sorry. He invited himself; and there is something I must
tell you about him."

His first instinct was to refuse to go on, but it was gone in a moment,
after one glance into Helen's troubled face.

"Don't look so ashamed," he said, smiling faintly. "I'm not afraid of
him. What is it you were going to tell me about him?"

"He went out the other day alone, to do some botanizing," she said. "Do
you know where I saw him?"

He shook his head.

"No. Where?"

"In your cottage. I saw him sitting at your table, and I saw him come
out. He looked terribly troubled, just as though he had found out
something."

He seemed in no wise so much disturbed as she had feared.

"It's astonishing how many people are interested in my affairs," he said
with grim lightness.

"No one so much as I am," she whispered softly. "Bernard, I must tell
you something about papa. I had almost forgotten."

"Yes. Has he been exercising a landlord's privilege, too?"

"Of course not, sir. But, Bernard, people have been talking, and he has
heard them, and----"

Her face grew troubled, and he stood still.

"He suspects, too, does he? Then I certainly cannot force him to become
my host."

She took hold of both of his hands, and looked up at him pleadingly.

"Don't be stupid, Bernard, dear, please. I didn't say that he suspected.
Only people have been talking, and of course it leaves an impression.
You must make friends with him, you know. Won't you have something to
ask him--some day--perhaps?"

She turned away, blushing a little, and he was conquered.

"Very well, love, I will come then," he said. "Only, please, you must go
and tell him directly we get there; and if he would rather not have me
for a guest, you must come and let me know. I will sit at no man's table
under protest," he added, with a sudden flush of pride.

"He'll be very pleased to have you," she said simply. "A few words from
me will be quite enough."

"Your empire extends further than over my heart, I see," he said,
laughing. "There is your father coming round from the stables. Suppose
we go to him."

They met him face to face in the hall.