If Helen loves you, she's entitled to be given the choice." "Ah," said Festing, "I don't know if she loves me yet!" Muriel's eyes twinkled.

"That is something you must find out for yourself.

But perhaps I have said enough." She went back to the house and Festing sat still in the gathering dark.
He had made up his mind and felt encouraged, but he saw difficulties that must be met.
Next day he went to the Scar and found that Helen was not at home, but Mrs.Dalton and her sister received him, and for a time he talked about things that did not matter.

It was dull and damp outside, and a bright wood fire burned in the grate.

The low-ceilinged room was very warm, its comfort seemed enervating, and he felt braced as he thought of the windswept prairie.