As for Collingwood, he settled down in
chambers and lodgings and, as Eldrick had predicted, found plenty of
work. And he constantly went out to Normandale Grange, and often met
Nesta elsewhere, and their knowledge of each other increased, and as the
winter passed away and spring began to show on the Normandale woods and
moors, Collingwood felt that the time was coming when he might speak. He
was professionally engaged in London for nearly three weeks in the early
part of that spring--when he returned, he had made up his mind to tell
Nesta the truth, at once. He had faced it for himself--he was by that
time so much in love with her that he was not going to let monetary
considerations prevent him from telling her so.
But Collingwood found something else than love to talk about when he
presented himself at Normandale Grange on the morning after his arrival
from his three weeks' absence in town. As soon as he met her, he saw
that Nesta was not only upset and troubled, but angry.
"I am glad you have come," she said, when they were alone. "I want some
advice. Something has happened--something that bothers--and puzzles--me
very, very much! I'm dreadfully bothered."
"Tell me," suggested Collingwood.
Nesta frowned--at some recollection or thought.
"Yesterday afternoon," she answered, "I was obliged to go into Barford,
on business.
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