it was impossible to remain indoors. Out in the gardens the
summer air seemed to thrill with the song of the birds.
Butterflies spread their bright wings and coquetted with the
fragrant blossoms; busy humming bees buried themselves in the
white cups of the lily and the crimson heart of the rose.

Ronald wandered through the gardens; the delicate golden laburnum
blossoms fell at his feet, and he sat down beneath a large
acacia. The sun was warm, and Ronald thought a dish of
strawberries would be very acceptable. He debated within himself
for some time whether he should return to the house and order
them, or walk down to the fruit garden and gather them for
himself.

What impulse was it that sent him on that fair June morning, when
all Nature sung of love and happiness, to the spot where he met
his fate?


Chapter III

The strawberry gardens at Earlescourt were very extensive. Far
down among the green beds Ronald Earle saw a young girl kneeling,
gathering the ripe fruit, which she placed in a large basket
lined with leaves, and he went down to her.

"I should like a few of those strawberries," he said, gently, and
she raised to his a face he never forgot. Involuntarily he
raised his hat, in homage to her youth and her shy, sweet beauty.
"For whom are you gathering these?" he asked, wondering who she