e gate of a field-road.

"I am going to one of the cottages yonder," she explained. "I expect
Nasmyth on Wednesday evening. Are you coming with him?"

"I'm sorry, but I'm going to Marple's. You see, I promised."

"Promised Marple?"

He was learning to understand her, for though she showed no marked sign
of displeasure he knew that she was not gratified.

"No," he answered; "Miss Crestwick."

She did not speak, but there was something in her manner that hinted at
disdainful amusement.

"I think you're hardly fair to her," he said.

"It's possible," Millicent replied carelessly. "Does it matter?"

"Well," he broke out with some warmth, "the girl hasn't such an easy time
among you; and one can only respect her for the way she stands by her
brother."

"Have you anything to say in his favor?"

"It would be pretty difficult," admitted Lisle. "But you can't blame his
sister for that."

"I don't think I've shown any desire to do so," she retorted.

Lisle knit his brows.

"You people are rather curious in your ideas. Now, here's a lonely girl
who's pluckily trying to look after that senseless lad, and not a one of
you can spare her a word of sympathy, because she doesn't run on the same
stereotyped lines as you do. Can you help only the people who will
conform?"

Millicent let this pass, and after an indifferent word or two she turned
away. Before she reached home, however, she met Nasmyth.

"Why don't you keep Mr. Lisle out of those Marples' hands?" she asked
him.

"In the first place, I'm not sure that I could do so; in the second, I
don't see why I should try," Nasmyth replied. "On the whole, considering
that he's a Western miner, I don't think he's running a serious risk.
Perhaps I might hint that Bella Crestwick's hardly likely to consider him
as big enough game."

"Don't be coarse!" Millicent paused. "But he spoke hotly in her defense."

"After all," responded Nasmyth, "I shouldn't wonder if she deserves it;
but it has no significance. You see, he's a rather chivalrous person."

Millicent flashed a quick glance at him, but his face was expressionless.

"What did he say?" he asked.

"I don't remember exactly: he hinted that we were narrow-minded and
uncharitable."

Nasmyth laughed.

"I almost think there's some truth in it. I've seen you a little severe
on those outside the fold."

"A man's charity is apt to be influenced by a pretty face," Millicent
retorted.

"I'll admit it," replied Nas