"It is--'Yes?'" he questioned.

She bent her head in acquiescence, not looking at him. "Yes," she said,
in a whisper.

And Fletcher let her go.




CHAPTER V

THE LOST ROMANCE


Jack looked in vain for any sign of elation on his friend's face when he
entered. He read nothing but grim determination. Dot's demeanour also
was scarcely reassuring. She seemed afraid to lift her eyes.

"Isn't it nearly bed-time?" she murmured to Adela as she passed.

Adela looked at her with frank curiosity. There were no fine shades of
feeling about Adela. She always went straight to the point--unless
restrained by Jack.

"Oh, it's quite early yet," she said, wholly missing the appeal in the
girl's low-spoken words. "What have you two been doing? Moonshining?"

Fletcher looked as contemptuous as his immobile countenance would allow,
and sat down by his untouched drink without a word.