She led the way swiftly, through the silent night, across the yard, over a small paddock, up to the sheep-yard beside the woolshed.

There she turned shortly round, and, leaning on the fence, said abruptly-- "No one can hear us here, William Lee.

Now, what have you to say ?" He seemed to hesitate a moment, and then began: "Mrs.Hawker, have I been a good servant to you ?" "Honest, faithful, kindly, active; who could have been a better servant than you, William Lee! A friend, and not a servant; God is my witness; now then ?" "I am glad to hear you say so," he answered.

"I did you a terrible injury once; I have often been sorry for it since I knew you, but it cannot be mended now." "Since you knew me ?" she said.

"Why, you have known me ever since I have been in the country, and you have never injured me since then, surely." "Ay, but at home," he said.