"Go to her and ask her if she will see me
alone. If she says 'No,' I give you my word that I will leave this place
and trouble neither of you any further."
Seton seemed to hesitate, but Merefleet was sure of his acquiescence.
After a pause of several seconds he fulfilled his expectations and went.
Merefleet sat down again and waited. Seton returned heavy-footed.
"She will see you," he said curtly. "You will find her in the
billiard-room."
"Alone?" said Merefleet, rising.
"Alone."
And Merefleet walked away.
CHAPTER XIV
He found her sitting in a great arm-chair at one end of the empty
billiard-room. She did not rise to meet him. He thought she looked tired
out and frightened.
He went to her and stooped over her, taking her hands. She did not resist
him, but neither did she welcome. Her lips were quivering painfully.
"What have I done that you should run away from me?" Merefleet asked her
very gently.
She shook her head with a helpless gesture.
"Mr. Merefleet," she whispered, "try--try not to be cross any! I'm afraid
I've made a big mistake."
"My dear, we all make them," Merefleet said with grave kindliness.
"I know," she faltered. "I know. But mine was a real bad one."
"Never mind, child!" he said tenderly. "Why should you tell me?"
She threw a swift look into his face. She was trembling violently.
"Big Bear," she cried with sudden vehemence, "you don't understand.
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