London in the hope of seeing you, that was all that brought me
here. I would not have spoken to you if you had not spoken to me first.
I only wanted just to see you. I wonder," he went on, "that I have not
been arrested as a suspicious character, as I have been loitering about
General Bartholomew's house for days, but I never saw you, Joan!"

"I was not there!"

"No, I gathered that at last. You will believe that I had no intention
of annoying you or forcing myself on your notice. I wanted to see you,
that was all, and so when I had made up my mind that you were not there,
I went to the City Office where I saw you last."

Her face flushed with anger.

"You have taken then to tracking me?" she said angrily.

"I am afraid it looks like it, but not to annoy you, only to satisfy my
longing to see you. Just now you said I sounded humble. I wonder if you
could guess how humble I feel."

"I wonder," she said sharply, "if you could guess how little I believe
anything you say, Mr. Alston? I am sorry I spoke to you. It was a
weakness I regret. Now I will say good-bye. You went to Slotman's
office, and I suppose discussed me with him?"

"I did not; he was not there. I was glad afterwards he was not. I don't
like the man."

"It does not matter. In any event Mr. Slotman could not have helped
you; he does not know where I am living."

"Won't you tell me?"

"Why should I, to be further annoyed by you?"

"I think you know that I will not annoy you. Won't you tell me, Joan?"

"I--I don't see why I should. Remember, I have no wish to continue
our--our acquaintance; there is no reason you should know."

"Yet if I knew I would be happier. I would not trouble you."

"Surely it does not matter. I am living in the country, then--in Kent,
at Starden. I--I have come into a little money." She looked at him
keenly. She wondered did he know, had he known that night when he had
told her that he loved her?

"I am glad of it," he said. "I could have wished you had come into a
great deal."

"I have!" she said quietly.

"I am truly glad," he said. "It was one of the things that troubled me
most, the thought of you--you forced to go out into the world to earn
your living, you who are so fine and exquisite and sensitive, being
brought into contact with the ugly things of life. I am glad that you
are saved that--it lightens my heart too, Joan."

"Why?"

"Haven't I told you? I hated the thought of you having to work for such
a man