“Because I care so much for Mr. Hamil,” continued the girl innocently.

For one instant, in her inmost intelligence, Miss Palliser fiercely questioned that innocence; then, convinced, looked questioningly at the girl beside her.  So questioningly that Shiela answered: 

“What?”—­as though the elder woman had spoken.

“I don’t know, dear....  Is there anything you—­you cared to ask me?—­say to me?—­tell me?—­perhaps—­”

“About what?”

So fearless and sweet and true the gaze that met her own that Constance hesitated.

“About Mr. Hamil?”

The girl looked at her; understood her; and the colour mounted to her temples.

“No,” she said slowly, “there is nothing to tell anybody....  There never will be.”

“I wish there were, child.”  Certainly Constance must have gone quite mad under the spell, for she had Shiela’s soft hands in hers again, and was pressing them close between her palms, repeating:  “I am sorry; I am, indeed.  The boy certainly cares for you; he has told me so a thousand times without uttering a word.  I have known it for weeks—­feared it. Now I wish it.  I am sorry.”

“Mr. Hamil—­understands—­” faltered Shiela; “I—­I care so much for him—­so much more than for any other man; but not in the way you—­you are kind enough to—­wish—­”

“Does he understand?”

“Y-yes.  I think so.  I think we understand each other—­thoroughly.  But”—­she blushed vividly—­“I—­did not dream that you supposed—­”

Miss Palliser looked at her searchingly.

“—­But—­it has made me very happy to believe that you consider me—­acceptable.”

“Dearest child, it is evident that we are the unacceptable ones—­”

“Please don’t say that—­or think it.  It is absurd—­in one sense....  Are we to be friends in town?  Is that what you mean?”

“Indeed we are, if you will.”

Miss Cardross nodded and withdrew her hands as Virginia and Malcourt came into view across the lawn.

Constance, following her glance, saw, and signalled silent invitation; Malcourt sauntered up, paid his respects airily, and joined Hamil and Wayward; Virginia spoke in a low voice to Constance, then, leaning on the back of her chair, looked at Shiela as inoffensively as she knew how.  She said: 

“I am very sorry for my rudeness to you.  Can you forgive me, Miss Cardross?”

“Yes....  Won’t you have some tea?”

Her direct simplicity left Virginia rather taken aback.  Perhaps she expected some lack of composure in the girl, perhaps a more prolix acceptance of honourable amends; but this terse and serene amiability almost suggested indifference; and Virginia seated herself, not quite knowing how she liked it.

Afterward she said to Miss Palliser: 

“Did you ever see such self-possession, my dear?  You know I might pardon my maid in exactly the same tone and manner.”