"I am not sure that I even hoped you would take the revelation in any
other way than this," he said. "A hawk--even a tamed one--must be a
thing of terror in the eyes of a dove. Still, I am not sorry that I have
made the confession, Miss Lorne. When the worst has been told, a burden
rolls away."

"Yes," she acquiesced faintly, finding her voice; but finding it only to
lose it again. "But that you--that _you_...." And was faint and very
still again.

"Shall we go on? It isn't more than fifty paces to the road; and you may
rely upon finding a taxicab there. Would you like me to show you the
way?"

"Yes, please. I--oh, don't think me unsympathetic, unkind, severe. It is
such a shock; it is all so horrible--I mean--that is.... Let me get used
to it. I shall never tell, of course--no, never! Now, please, may we not
walk faster? I am very, very late as it is; and they will be worrying at
home."

They did walk faster, and in a minute more were at the common's end.
Cleek stopped and again lifted his hat.

"We will part here, Miss Lorne," he said. "I won't force my company on
you any further. From here, you are quite beyond all danger, and I am
sure you would rather I left you to find a taxi for yourself. Good
night." He did not even offer to put out his hand. "May I say again,
that I am not sorry I told you? Nor did I ever expect you would, take it
other than like this. It is only natural. Try to forgive me; or, at the