The squire fastened his animal to the porch and turned.

The next moment Columbus burst barking through the intervening hedge.
"Columbus! Columbus!" called Juliet's voice.

"Come back at once!" "May I come through ?" said Mr.Fielding.
She arrived at the orchard-gate, flushed and apologetic.

"Oh, pray do! Please excuse Columbus! He always speaks before he thinks." She opened the gate with the words, and held out her hand.
She was aware of his eyes looking at her very searchingly as he took it.
"I hope you don't mind a visitor at this hour," he said.
She smiled.

"No.