"Do you always choose such an early hour as this for your daily
rambles?" he asked.
"Not always," she said, "but very often."
"And is it because the freshness of the morning tempts you out, or
because you like to be alone?"
"I rather think it is because I like to be alone."
"Then for once you have failed of your object. But let me at least plead
that I have sinned in ignorance." And he held out his hand, with a
laugh.