beams of light between the cypresses. But to his wide and
wandering eyes it seemed that a radiance other than hers haunted
these mounds and leaning stones. 'Have you ever noticed it?' he
said, putting out his hand towards his unknown companion; 'this
stone is cracked from head to foot?... But there'--he rose
stiff and chilled--'I am afraid I have bored you with my company.
You came here for solitude, and I have been trying to convince
you that we are surrounded with witnesses. You will forgive my
intrusion?' There was a kind of old-fashioned courtesy in his
manner that he himself was dimly aware of. He held out his hand.

'I hope you will think nothing of the kind,' said the other
earnestly; 'how could it be in any sense an intrusion? It's the
old story of Bluebeard. And I confess I too should very much like
a peep into his cupboard. Who wouldn't? But there, it's merely a
matter of time, I suppose.' He paused, and together they slowly
ascended the path already glimmering with a heavy dew. At the
porch they paused once more. And now it was the stranger that
held out his hand.

'Perhaps,' he said, 'you will give me the pleasure of some day
continuing our talk. As for our friend below, it so happens that
I have managed to pick up a little more of his history than the
sexton seems to have heard of--if you would care some time or
other to share it. I live only at the foot of the hill, not half
a mile distant. Perhaps you could spare the time now?'

Lawford took out his watch, 'You are really very kind,' he said.
'But, perhaps--well, whatever that history may be, I think you
would agree that mine is even--but, there, I've talked too much