18
THE light was already failing when Meredith made his way round the east side of the house towards the waste ground behind which had been the monastic cemetery. He was glad to be alone. It was to be their last visit to Carfax— perhaps the last time he would be alone with her. Now, this very afternoon, he must speak or hold his peace for ever. And yet, was it fair? If she refused him— and how could she or any other woman care for a man such as he— on what terms could they drive back to town together? No, obviously it was not fair; and yet— he stopped irresolute. He seemed to have drifted.
Suddenly he remembered that he had been sent to the cemetery with a purpose. He approached the wall of the chapel, and began to scrutinise the masonry, bus his mind was preoccupied with what was enshri
