into the alcove before he was aware of her presence.

Brandon was on his feet in an instant, and with a low bow was backing
himself out most deferentially, to leave her in sole possession if she
wished to rest.

"Master Brandon, you need not go. I will not hurt you. Besides, if
this place is not large enough for us both, I will go. I would not
disturb you." She spoke with a tremulous voice and a quick, uneasy
glance, and started to move backward out of the alcove.

"Lady Mary, how can you speak so? You know--you must know--oh! I beg
you--" But she interrupted him by taking his arm and drawing him to a
seat beside her on the cushion. She could have drawn down the Colossus
of Rhodes with the look she gave Brandon, so full was it of command,
entreaty and promise.

"That's it; I don't know, but I want to know; and I want you to sit
here beside me and tell me. I am going to be reconciled with you,
despite the way you treated me when last we met. I am going to be
friends with you whether you will or not. Now what do you say to that,
sir?" She spoke with a fluttering little laugh of uneasy
non-assurance, which showed that her heart was not nearly so confident
nor so bold as her words would make believe. Poor Brandon, usually so
ready, had nothing "to say to that," but sat in helpless silence.

Was this the sum total of all his wise determinations made at the cost
of so much pain and effort? Was this the answer to all his prayers,
"Lead me not into temptation"? He had done his part, for he had done
all he could. Heaven had not helped him, since here was temptation