ould not be reminded of the cause of his illness more forcibly
than could not be helped. The nearest way led him past a corner of the
house overlooked by one of the drawing-room windows. Clementina saw him
pass, and, judging by his garb that he would probably return presently,
went out in the hope of meeting him, and as he was going back to his net
by the sea-gate he caught sight of her on the opposite side of the burn,
accompanied only by a book. He walked through it, climbed the bank and
approached her.

It was a hot summer afternoon. The burn ran dark and brown and cool in
deep shade, but the sea beyond was glowing in light, and the
laburnum-blossoms hung like cocoons of sunbeams. No breath of air was
stirring; no bird sang; the sun was burning high in the west.

Clementina stood waiting him, like a moon that could hold her own in the
face of the sun. "Malcolm," she said, "I have been watching all day, but
have not found a single opportunity of speaking to your mistress as you
wished. But to tell the truth, I am not sorry, for the more I think about
it the less I see what to say. That another does not like a person can
have little weight with one who does, and I _know_ nothing against him. I
wish you would release me from my promise. It is such an ugly thing to
speak to one's hostess to the disadvantage of a fellow-guest!"

"I understand," said Malcolm. "It was not a right thing to ask of you. I
beg your pardon, my lady, and give you back your promise, if such you
count it. But indeed I do not think you promised."

"Thank you. I would rather be free. Had it been before you left London!
Lady Lossie is very kind, but does not seem to put the same confidence in
me as formerly. She and Lady Bellair and that man make a trio, and I am
left outside. I almost think I ought to go. Even Caley is more of a friend
than I am. I cannot get rid of the suspicion that something not right is
going on. There seems a bad air about the place. Those two are playing
their game with the inexperience of that poor child, your mistress."

"I know that very well, my lady, but I hope yet they will not succeed,"
said Malcolm.

By this time they were near the tunnel.

"Could you let me through to the shore?" asked Clementina.

"Certainly, my lady. I wish you could see the boats go out. From the
Boar's Tail it is a pretty sight. They will all be starting together as
soon as the tide turns."

Thereupon Clementina began questioning him about