e sea. There had obviously
been no attempt at artistic arrangement. Cleanliness and a neatness
almost severe were its only characteristics.

"I hope you like toasted scones, sir," said Molly's voice in the
doorway.

He looked round to see her come forward with the tea-tray.

"Nothing better," he said lightly, "particularly if you have made them
yourself."

She set down her tray and smiled at him. Her short, curling hair gave
her an almost elfish look.

"I've been so busy getting ready," she said childishly. "I've never had
a gentleman to tea before."

"That is a very great honour for me," said Durant.

Molly looked delighted.

"I think the honour is mine," she said in her shy voice. "I am just
going to fetch the wooden chair out of the kitchen."

She departed hastily as if embarrassed, and Durant smiled to himself. It
was wonderful how the oppression had been lifted from his spirit since
his meeting with this lonely dweller on the shore.

When Molly reappeared, he saw that she had assumed a dignity worthy of
the occasion. She sat down behind the brown teapot with a serious face.
He waited for her to lead the conversation, and the result was complete
silence for some seconds.

Then she said suddenly:

"Have you been sitting in the summer-house again?"

"No," said Durant.

"I am glad of that," said Molly.

"Why?" he asked.

She hesitated.

"Isn't it rather a lonely place?" she said.

He smiled faintly.

"You know I came here to be lonely, Molly," he said.

"Yes; you told me," said Molly, and he fancied that he heard her sigh.

"Are you never lonely?" he asked in a kindly tone.

"Often," she said. "Often."

She was pouring the tea as she spoke. Her head was slightly bent.

"And so you took pity on me?" said Durant.

She shook her head suddenly and vigorously.

"It wasn't that, sir," she said in a very low voice. "I--I
wanted--someone--to speak to."

"I see," said Durant gently. He added after a moment: "Do you know, I am
glad I chanced to be that someone."

She smiled at him over the teapot.

"You weren't pleased--at first," she said. "You were angry. I heard you
saying--"

"What?" said Durant.

He looked across at her and laughed naturally, spontaneously, for the
first time.

Molly had forgotten to be either embarrassed or dignified.

"I don't know what it was," she said; "I only know what it sounded
like."

"And that made you want to speak to me?" said Durant.

The brown