'Yes,' she said, looking at him for the first time, without surprise.

'Why are you sitting here?' he asked.

'I'm waiting for Dickie Haddon,' she said listlessly. 'He went to
Yarraman to buy some things to make a disguise. It is only fair to wait.'

He was touched with profound pity; but her mood chilled him, he dared not
offer a caress.

'And then?'

'And then? Oh, then I will go to the homestead. I want rest--only rest,
rest!

'Did Summers know the truth, Chris?'

She shook her head slowly.

'No,' she said. 'I deceived him--I deceived them all. I lied to
everybody. I used to pride myself once, a fortnight ago, when I was a
girl, on not being a liar.

'You mustn't talk in this despairing way, dear. Let me take you home. I
will meet Dick an' tell him.'

'Tell him it is too late, but I am grateful all the same--very, very
grateful.'

'Yes, yes. Come. You are weary; you'll be stronger to-morrow an' braver.'