"But why should we meet in secret like this, when everybody knows of our engagement ?" "Well, because I have a reason," she replied in a strained voice--"a strong reason." "You've grown suddenly shy, afraid of chaff, it seems." "My mother is, I fear, not altogether well disposed towards you, Walter," was her quick response.

"Dad is very fond of you, as you well know; but Lady Heyburn has other views for me, I think." "And is that the only reason you wish to meet me in secret ?" he asked.
She hesitated, became slightly confused, and quickly turned the conversation into a different channel, a fact which caused him increased doubt and reflection.
Yes, something certainly had occurred.

That was vividly apparent.

A gulf lay between them.
Again he looked straight into her beautiful face, and fell to wondering.
What could it all mean?
So true had she been to him, so sweet her temperament, so high all her ideals, that he could not bring himself to believe ill of her.

He tried to fight down those increasing doubts.