"The truth is, Mary--"

"There has been quite enough said about it, Mr. Twentyman."

"The truth is, Mary, I came on purpose to have a word with you."
Hearing this, Kate rushed on and pulled Larry by the tail of his
coat.

"How did you know I was to be there?" demanded Mary sharply.

"I didn't know. I had reason to think you perhaps might be there.
The girls I knew had been asking you to come as far as the bridge.
At any rate I took my chance. I'd seen him some time before, and
then I saw you."

"If I'm to be watched about in that way," said Mary angrily, "I
won't go out at all."

"Of course I want to see you. Why shouldn't I? I'm all fair and
above board;--ain't I? Your father and mother know all about it. It
isn't as though I were doing anything clandestine." He paused for a
reply, but Mary walked on in silence. She knew quite well that he
was warranted in seeking her, and that nothing but a very positive
decision on her part could put an end to his courtship. At the
present moment she was inclined to be very positive, but he had
hardly as yet given her an opportunity of speaking out. "I think
you know, Mary, what it is that I want." They were now at a rough
stile which enabled him to come close up to her and help her. She
tripped over the stile with a light step and again walked on
rapidly. The field they were in enabled him to get up to her side,