“ Connie! ” said Hilda, hard as a hammer stroke, and pale with anger.

“I shall if I possibly can. I should be fearfully proud if I had a child by him.”

It was no use talking to her. Hilda pondered.

“And doesn’t Clifford suspect?” she said.

“Oh, no! Why should he?”

“I’ve no doubt you’ve given him plenty of occasion for suspicion,” said Hilda.

“Not at all.”

“And tonight’s business seems quite gratuitous folly. Where does the man live?”

“In the cottage at the other end of the wood.”