Gravely she entered into his mood.

"That is good. Then we will just make you tidy--and one littlest dab for
this not-bruise on your cheek."

So much he graciously permitted: then he ran off to receive the ovation
awaiting him from Tara and Chris.




CHAPTER V.

"Thy bosom is endearéd with all hearts,
For there reigns love, and all love's loving parts."
--SHAKSPERE.

"Women are not only deities of the household fire, but the flame of
the soul itself."--RABINDRANATH TAGORE.


Left to herself, Lilámani moved back to the window with her innate,
deliberate grace. There she sat down again, very still, resting her
cheek on her hand; drinking in the serenity, the translucent stillness
of clear green spaces robed in early evening light, like a bride arrayed
for the coming of her lord. The higher tree-tops were haloed with glory.
Young leaves of beeches and poplars gleamed like minted gold; and on the
lawn, the great twin beeches cast a stealthily encroaching continent of
shadow. Among the shrubs, under her window, birds were trilling out