said I, “ — however mistaken you are concerning my seeking you here.”

She said nothing.

“Also,” I added, with a sudden resurgance of bitterness that surprised myself, “my conduct earlier in your behalf might have led you to a wiser judgment.”

“I am wise enough — after my own fashion,” she said indifferently.

“Does a man save and then return to destroy?”

“Many a hunter has saved many a spotted fawn from wolf and fox — so he might kill it himself, one day.”

“You do yourself much flattery, young woman,” I said, so unpleasantly that again the hot colour touched her throat and brow.