Page:An orchard princess (IA orchardprincess00barbiala).pdf/118

 *pose you couldn't know; but I wish you had; perhaps you'd have stayed—out of compassion. Would you, do you think?"

"No," she answered, shaking her head lightly, "I don't think I would."

"Then you are not compassionate?"

Again came that little cruel shrug of the slim shoulders.

"I really don't know," she answered, as though the subject failed to interest her. She reached out with the toe of one tan shoe and closed the lid of the battered paint-box.

"You—you're not going so early?" asked Miles, anxiously.

"Yes, I am through for to-day."

"But—but what's the use? You won't find a pleasanter spot than this, surely, Miss Lynde. And—the fact is—I've got something awfully important to say—or do."