"I know you're very fond of sitting on the coping," said the man slowly,
"and I wish you wouldn't. One day you will lean back too far and fall
in."

"And make the acquaintance of Truth," said Olive lightly. "Come along."

She ran from him and was lost in the shadow of the pines, the bracken
crackling beneath her feet as she ran. Her companion followed slowly,
and emerging from the gloom saw her poised daintily on the edge of the
well with her feet hidden in the rank grass and nettles which surrounded
it. She motioned her companion to take a seat by her side, and smiled
softly as she felt a strong arm passed about her waist.

"I like this place," said she, breaking a long silence, "it is so dismal
--so uncanny. Do you know I wouldn't dare to sit here alone, Jem. I
should imagine that all sorts of dreadful things were hidden behind the
bushes and trees, waiting to spring out on me. Ugh!"

"You'd better let me take you in," said her companion tenderly; "the well
isn't always wholesome, especially in the hot weather.

"Let's make a move."

The girl gave an obstinate little shake, and settled herself more
securely on her seat.

"Smoke your cigar in peace," she said quietly. "I am settled here for a
quiet talk. Has anything been heard of Wilfred yet?"