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 a matter of fact we got on very well. Why was Lennie's heart beating so violently? Why was she hesitating to offer Gareth an introduction to the Countess? These were the questions she was asking herself.

O, would you? Gareth showed his delight.

I might. . . I will try. . . It might be possible to take you to her box for a moment.

That would be dandy of you, Miss Colman. I was wondering if I might ask you to do that.

I'll be glad to. Her tone belied her words. She felt chill on this hot day.

And now Gareth again changed the subject. They chattered on, mostly about books, for an hour or so, and the sun was low, a ball of fire behind the hills across the river in the west, when they started back. Realizing the lateness of the hour, the school-teacher became alarmed.

I must reach home before six, she urged.

It's after that now, said Gareth.

Neither of them was wearing a watch.

O, it can't be. I must get back before six. Lennie was impatient, almost petulant.

They strode forward rapidly and, for the greater part of the way, silently. Where the road crossed the tracks Gareth suggested that they might save time walking the ties; in this manner they could cut a good quarter of a mile from the distance to be traversed. While they were still a half-mile from town they encountered a tramp, a ragged, dirty,