He kissed her hand and then, her eyes of mute avowal drawing him, he leaned to her and kissed her cheek.

He felt it difficult to answer such a speech, and all that he found to say at last was, 'You will make me romantic, dear Althea.' That evening he sought Helen out again; but he need not have come with his news, for it was none.

Althea's blissful preoccupation and his gaiety had all the evening proclaimed the happy event.

But he had to talk to Helen, and finding her on the terrace, he drew her hand through his arm and paced to and fro with her.

She was silent, and, suddenly and oddly, he found it difficult to say anything.