engagement, to be alone together. Closed in on either side by old yew hedges, it was the only part of the Bonnie Doon garden really sheltered from prying eyes. Often, nay almost always, their first, their only, kisses, on any given day, were taken and given here, between those high, impenetrable walls of living green. To Jean the yew hedge walk had become holy ground. And so, as they turned the corner, the girl’s heart began to beat quickly. Here it was that Harry always turned with a sudden, passionate movement, and took her in his arms. But to-day her lover hurried her along the uneven brick path until they reached the extreme end of the shadowed walk. Then, and not till then, he stopped, and faced her with the words: “We can’t be married to-morrow——” He had meant to add, “I am suspected of having poisoned my wife.” But he found he could not utter the hateful words. They would not come. And Jean? Gazing up into his haggard face she felt a mingled rush of intense relief and deep, exultant love and tenderness. It moved her to the soul to think that the postponement of their marriage could make him look as he was looking now. But she was quickly, painfully, undeceived. “A man came to see me at the works this morning to tell me that there seems to be some doubt as to the cause of Emily’s death.” Her face filled with deep surprise and dismay, but no suspicion of what his words implied crossed her mind. All she did understand was that what had happened had given this man who was so entirely her own, a terrible shock. 84“Why should that make any difference to our being married to-morrow morning?” she asked in a low voice. 84 “Because neither your aunt nor your uncle would wish you to be married to a man suspected of murder.” He spoke with harsh directness. “Murder?” Jean Bower’s eyes flashed. She did not shrink, as he had thought she would do; instead she threw herself on his breast and pressed close up to him, putting her arms round his neck. “If that is true, but I don’t believe it is true, then I want to marry you at once—to-day rather than to-morrow, Harry. Oh, my love, my own dear love, don’t look at me like that!” His arms hungrily enfolded her, but he shook his head determinedly. “Till the whole thing is
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