"Major Fletcher, I--have lost the bangle you gave me. It slipped off
down by that big rock when I was feeling ill. And I must have left it
there. Should you very much mind fetching it for me?"
She felt her face grow crimson as she made the request, and she could
not look at him, knowing too well what he would think of her confusion.
She felt, indeed, as if she could never look him in the face again.
Fletcher sat quite still for a few seconds. Then, "But it's of no
consequence, is it?" he said. "I will fetch it for you, of course, if
you like, but I could give you fifty more like it. And in any case we
can find it when Subdul comes with the dog-cart."
He was reluctant to leave her. She saw it instantly, and tingled at the
discovery. With a great effort she made her final attempt.
"Please," she said, with downcast eyes, "I want it now."
He was on his feet at once, looking down at her. "I will fetch it with
the greatest pleasure," he said.
And, not waiting for her thanks, he turned and left her.
VII
For many seconds after his departure Beryl sat quite rigid, watching his
tall figure pass swiftly downwards through the trees. She did not stir
till he had reached the road, then, with a sudden deep breath, she rose.
At the same instant there sounded behind her, high up the hillside among
the pine trees, the piercing scream of a jay.
It startled her, for she had not been listening for it.
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