and as they took advantage of this oversight with
a singular concert of motive, he clasped both her
hands in his. "Are you angry with me?" he asked
softly. He dared not close the door, but his back
was square against it, and the other guests were
moving down to the refectory.

"For liking such horrid sport?"

"We have no time to waste in coquetry."

Her eyes melted, but she could not resist planting
a dart. "Not now--I quite understand: love could
never be first with you. And two years are not so
long. They quickly pass when one is busy. I shall
find occupation, and you will have no time for long-
ings and regrets."

They were not yet alone, women were talking in
their light, high voices not a yard away. The hin-
drance, and her new loveliness in the soft mantilla,
the pink of the roses reflected in her throat, the
provocative curl of her mouth, sent the blood to his
head.

"You have only to say the word," he said
hoarsely, "and the Juno will sail to-night."

Never before had she seen his face so unmasked.
Her voice shook in triumph and response.