He had the right , like any other man , to woo the woman of his choice and he would certainly brook no outside interference in the matter . After a sleepless night he went back to Four Winds in the morning . Lynde would not expect him at that time and he would have more chance of finding her . The result justified his idea , for he met her by the spring . Alan felt shocked at the change in her appearance . She looked as if years of suffering had passed over her . Her lips were pallid , and hollow circles under her eyes made them appear unnaturally large . He had last left the girl in the bloom of her youth ; he found her again a woman on whom life had laid its heavy hand . A burning flood of colour swept over her face as they met , then receded as quickly , leaving her whiter than before . Without any waste of words , Alan plunged abruptly into the subject . `` Miss Oliver , why have you avoided me so of late ? Have I done anything to offend you ? '' `` No . '' She spoke as if the word hurt her , her eyes persistently cast down . `` Then what is the trouble ? '' There was no answer . She gave an unvoluntary glance around as if seeking some way of escape . There was none , for the spring was set about with thick young firs and Alan blocked the only path . He leaned forward and took her hands in his . `` Miss Oliver , you must tell me what the trouble is , '' he said firmly .
She pulled her hands away and flung them up XXXXX her face , her form shaken by stormy sobs .
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