Oh, she could dissemble, could pretend all this was merely duty, could rage against herself and me, but nevertheless I understood--she was doing it for me! I knew, and she should know--yes, this very night, out yonder in the shadows, when we were alone together I would make her realize what it all meant.

Le Gaire?
What cared I for Le Gaire! This was Love and War combined, and all is fair in either.

Besides, it was the girl who counted, who must say the final word--why should I hesitate for the sake of Le Gaire?
Let him fight for himself; surely the prize was worth the battle.
Her hand waved; I could catch the glimmer of the white sleeve, and recognized it as a signal.

With a dozen steps I was at the entrance to the arbor, crouching down low in the shadows.

As noiseless as a ghost she sped across the open space, and joined me.