Page:Hornung - Irralies Bushranger.djvu/136

 lead inevitably to that of the prisoner's escape. She therefore said, graciously—

"How do you know?"

"It could be no one else. I have not had the privilege of seeing you before. And then, Miss Villiers, none but the very spirited would choose a night of alarms for a ramble in the small hours! And that I find to be your reputation."

"Indeed!" said Irralie. "I couldn't sleep, that was all."

"So?"

"I was listening to your delightful music!" said Irralie, who was charmed to find herself detaining him with such ease. He had actually sat down on the edge of the veranda, with the valise across his knees; but at this last speech he sprang to his feet.

"You heard me?" he cried. "I am sorry, and yet glad! Sorry to have kept you awake—I had no idea anybody could hear—and yet delighted to think I should have such a listener. And you say you were