a condition, but Henry Hatton was not among them; and when he
unexpectedly met Lucy's father in the village, he quite forgot that the
man knew nothing at all of his affection for his daughter and his
intention to marry her.

"Mr. Lugur," he cried almost joyfully, "I was looking for you, hoping to
meet you, and here you are! I am so glad!"

Lugur looked up curiously. People did not usually address him with such
pronounced pleasure, and with Henry Hatton he had not been familiar, or
even friendly. "Good evening, Mr. Hatton," he answered, and he touched
the cap set so straight and positive on his big, dark head with slight
courtesy. "Have you any affair with me, sir?" he asked.

"I have."

"It is my busy night. I was going home, but----"

"Allow me to walk with you, Mr. Lugur."

"Very well. Talking will not hinder. I am at your service, sir."

[Illustration: "He knew her for his own ... as she stood with her father
at the gate of their little garden."]

Then Henry Hatton made his heart speak words which no one could have
doubted. He was a natural orator, and he was moved by an impetuous
longing, that feared nothing but its own defeat. He told Lugur all that
he had told himself, and the warmth and eagerness of his pleading
touched the man deeply, though he did not interrupt him until he said,