to go to would be too rough for you. But I shall be at Wallacetown for
some weeks after this job. You have never seen my house there. I took it
over from the last Superintendent. I think you'll like it. I got it for
that reason."

She started a little. "But you didn't know then--How long ago was it?"

"Three years," said Fletcher Hill. "I've been getting it ready for you
ever since."

She looked up at him. "You--took a good deal for granted, didn't you?"
she said.

Fletcher was smiling, dryly humorous. "I knew my own mind, anyway," he
said.

"And you've never had--any doubts?" questioned Dot.

"Not one," said Fletcher Hill.

She laid her hand on his arm with a shy gesture. "I hope you won't be
dreadfully disappointed in me," she said.

He bent towards her, and for a moment she felt as if his keen eyes
pierced her. "I don't think that is very likely," he said, and kissed her
with the words.

She did not shrink from his kiss, but she did not return it; nor did he
linger as if expecting any return.