A Moorland Walk

"That makes you feel pretty mad, don't it?" he inquired genially. "You
are not accustomed to that sort of treatment. Most of 'em run the other
way, don't they? I should, in their place! But you mustn't be hard on
old George. When I said `you,' I used the word as a plural, not as
applying with any special significance to your charming self. It is
womankind as a whole which he finds terrifying. Run a mile any day
rather than meet a woman face to face! You must not imagine that there
is anything unusual in his avoidance of yourself. It's always the same
tale."

Margot paused a moment, to reflect dismally that in this case there was
small hope for the fulfilment of her scheme, then ventured the natural
feminine question-"Has he been crossed in love?"

"Who? George?" George's brother appeared to find something
mysteriously ludicrous in the suggestion, for he shook with delighted
laughter. "Rather not! Never had enough to do with a woman to give
himself a chance. He's an old hermit of a bachelor, Miss Vane, absorbed
in his work, and becoming more of a slave to it every year of his life.
Even on a holiday he can't take it easy like other folks. He has some
writing on hand just now--a paper of sorts which he has undertaken to
have ready by a certain time, and it appears to his benighted intellect
that a holiday is an excellent opportunity of getting it through. Mad,
you see; stark, staring mad, but an excellent fellow all the same. One
of the very best. I have a large experience of men, but I've never met
one to compare with him for all-round goodness and simplicity of heart.
We all have our failings, and there are worse things than a little
shyness and reserve. If he avoids you like the plague, try to pity him
for the loss it entails upon himself, and take no offence! As I said
before, it's not a personal matter. He knows that you are a stranger
and a woman, but I don't suppose he has the most glimmering idea of what
you are really like!"