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Outside the silence was only broken by the ripple of the burn over its pebbles deep below, and the cry of the night-bird upon the steep rock whereon the historic old castle was built By a path known to her she descended swiftly, and away into the park by yet another path, used alate which led out into the high road to Perth by one of the farms on the estate, the one known as the Bervie

As she was about to pass through the snized exclaiize!" And froed and barred her path

"I daresay you will think this all very htly "But I do hope I have not inconvenienced you If so, pray accept irl replied, though somewhat taken aback by the suddenness of the encounter The man spoke slowly and with evident refinement His voice was the saaiety She recognized it instantly

As he stood before her, his countenance becaht, and she saell-ly- eyes, set a little too close perhaps, but denoting strong will and keen intelligence

"Yes," he laughed "Look at me well, Miss Ranscouised by a black velvet nize irl, who had halted, and was gazing upon his rather striking face

"Still the sa "Or you may call me Brown, Jones, or Robinson--or any of the other saints' names if you prefer"

"You have been very kind to me Surely I may know your real name?"

"No, Miss Ranscomb For certain very important reasons I do not wish to disclose it Pardon me--will you not? I ask that favour of you"

"But will you not satisfy my curiosity?"

"At my personal risk? No I do not think you would wish me to do that--eh?" he asked in a tone of mild reproof

Then he went on: "I'm awfully sorry I could not approach you openly In London I found out that you were up here, so I thought it best to see you in secret You knohy I have come to you, Miss Ranscomb--eh?"

"On behalf of Mr Henfrey"