"It's the Star of Hope, Avery," he whispered.

"Yours--and mine." He stopped with the words.

"Don't say anything!" he said hurriedly.
"Pretend you didn't hear, if--if you wish you hadn't.

Goodbye!" He thrust her basket into her hand, and turned from her.
A moment he stood as if to give her the opportunity of detaining him if she so desired, and then as she made no sign he went to his horse who waited a couple of yards away, mounted, and without word or salute rode away.
Avery drew a deep, deep breath and walked on.

There was a curious sensation at her heart--almost a trapped feeling--such as she had never before experienced.