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 think I should. Ever since I first saw you one morning here in the garden, I'm afraid you've been the central figure in all my looking-on in Raona. What's more, I've had the feeling that you knew it; that you were entirely conscious of it; and so"

"Yes, it's true," she interrupted. "Yes, I knew you were watching me—and thinking of me, a little, too, perhaps. Were you?"

"Yes," he said, as a faint colour came into his pale cheeks. "Not thinking of you a little, though. You see as an invalid"

"As an invalid?" she repeated; and she laughed. "If you did it only as an invalid, perhaps you might owe me an apology, Mr. Orbison! But anyhow, your watching me—so much—and my knowing it—so well—does seem to bring us together as already comfortably intimate, doesn't it?"

"Yes, I hope so."

"Well, then, when you watched me—and thought a little about me—what did you see and what did you think?"

"You'd really like me to tell you?"

"If you think I can stand it—yes."

"Well" He paused, frowning. "Last night Mr. Rennie and I talked about you all the way to the