He closed the door as he answered her.  ’I do not see that it will serve any purpose.’

’It is for me, sir, to judge of that.  I suppose you are not so much a coward that you are afraid to come to me.  If so, I shall come to you; and you may be assured that I shall not be too timid to show myself and to tell my story.’  He ended by saying that if she desired it he would wait upon her, but that he would not at present fix a day.  On his return to town he would write to her.

When he was gone she went to the door and listened awhile.  Then she closed it, and turning the lock, stood with her back against the door and with her hands clasped. ...