had struck. Almost at the moment he saw a figure coming forward from
the last lamp at the bottom of the hill. But the figure speedily
resolved itself into that of a boy, who, advancing to Jocelyn, inquired
if he were Mr. Pierston, and handed him a note.



1. IV. A LONELY PEDESTRIAN

When the boy had gone Jocelyn retraced his steps to the last lamp, and
read, in Avice's hand:

'MY DEAREST,--I shall be sorry if I grieve you at all in what I am
going to say about our arrangement to meet to-night in the Sandsfoot
ruin. But I have fancied that my seeing you again and again lately is
inclining your father to insist, and you as his heir to feel, that we
ought to carry out Island Custom in our courting--your people being
such old inhabitants in an unbroken line. Truth to say, mother
supposes that your father, for natural reasons, may have hinted to you
that we ought. Now, the thing is contrary to my feelings: it is
nearly left off; and I do not think it good, even where there is
property, as in your case, to justify it, in a measure. I would rather
trust in Providence.

'On the whole, therefore, it is best that I should not come--if only
for appearances--and meet you at a time and place suggesting the
custom, to others than ourselves, at least, if known.

'I am sure that this decision will not disturb you much; that you will
understand my modern feelings, and think no worse of me for them. And