the core of him,
seemed to be hating the whole thing, hating himself--and her----

Instantly he released her ... looked at her ... realised.... In those
few tempestuous moments he had burnt his boats indeed ...

She met his eyes now, found them too eloquent, and veiled her own.

"No. You are not altogether--a fakir," she said softly.

"I'd no business. I'm sorry ..." he began, answering his own swift
compunction, not her remark.

"_I'm_ not--unless you really mean--_you_ are?" Faint raillery gleamed
in her eyes. "You did rather overwhelmingly take things for granted.
But still ... after that...."

"Yes--after that ... if _you_ really mean it?"

"Well ... what do you think?"

"I simply _can't_ think," he confessed, with transparent honesty. "I
hardly know if I'm on my head or my heels. I only know you've bewitched
me. I'm infatuated--intoxicated with you. But ... if you _do_ care
enough ... to marry me----"

"My dear--Roy--can you doubt it?"

He had never heard her voice so charged with emotion. For all answer, he
held her close--with less assurance now--and kissed her again....

* * * * *

In course of time they remembered that a pause only lasts five minutes;
that there were other partners.

"If we're not to be too flagrant, even for India," she said, rising with
unperturbed deliberation, "I suggest we go in. Goodness knows where
they've got to by now!"

He stood up also. "It matters a good deal more ... where _we_'ve got to.
I'll come over to-morrow and see ... your people...."

"No. You'll come over--and see me! We'll descend from the dream ... to
the business; and have everything clear to our own satisfaction before
we let in all the others. I always vowed I wouldn't accept a proposal
after supper! If you're ... intoxicated, you might wake
sober--disillusioned!"

"But I--I've kissed you," he stammered, suddenly overcome with shyness.

"So you have--a few times! I'm afraid we didn't keep count! I'm not
really doubting either of us--Roy. But still.... Shall we say tea and a
ride?"

He hesitated. "Sorry--I'm booked. I promised Lance----"

"Very well--dinner? Mother has some bridge people. Only one table. We
can escape into the garden. Now--come along."

He drew a deep breath. More and more the detached part of him was
realising....

They walked back rather briskly, not speaking; nor did he touch her
again.

They found Lahore still dancing, sublimely unconcern