"Better than all the--" Then they walked on.
They had almost reached the belt of trees that overhung the road.
"Ralph," said Rotha, pausing, "may I--kiss you ?" He stooped and kissed her on the forehead.

Then the weight about his heart seemed heavier than before.

By that kiss he felt that between him and the girl at his side there was a chasm that might never be bridged.

Had he loved her?
He hardly knew; he had never put it to himself so.

Did she not love him?
He could not doubt it.