When next he looked into them he knew that he should see there the consciousness of his kiss . Behind her in the orchard that night Kilmeny had left her childhood . CHAPTER XII . A PRISONER OF LOVE When Eric betook himself to the orchard the next evening he had to admit that he felt rather nervous . He did not know how the Gordons would receive him and certainly the reports he had heard of them were not encouraging , to say the least of it . Even Mrs. Williamson , when he had told her where he was going , seemed to look upon him as one bent on bearding a lion in his den . `` I do hope they wo n't be very uncivil to you , Master , '' was the best she could say . He expected Kilmeny to be in the orchard before him , for he had been delayed by a call from one of the trustees ; but she was nowhere to be seen . He walked across it to the wild cherry lane ; but at its entrance he stopped short in sudden dismay . Neil Gordon had stepped from behind the trees and stood confronting him , with blazing eyes , and lips which writhed in emotion so great that at first it prevented him from speaking . With a thrill of dismay Eric instantly understood what must have taken place . Neil had discovered that he and Kilmeny had been meeting in the orchard , and beyond doubt had carried that tale to Janet and Thomas Gordon . He realized how unfortunate it was that this should have happened before he had had time to make his own explanation . It would probably prejudice Kilmeny 's guardians still further against him . At this point in his thoughts Neil 's pent up passion suddenly found vent in a burst of wild words . `` So you 've come to meet her again . But she is n't here -- you 'll never see her again ! I hate you -- I hate you -- I hate you ! '' His voice rose to a shrill scream . He took a furious step nearer Eric as if he would attack him .
Eric looked steadily in his eyes with a calm defiance , XXXXX which his wild passion broke like foam on a rock .
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