r Greatman, but the
result was not encouraging. He came back to Vanna with a worn face, and
the restless discontent of older days eclipsing the happiness of his
eyes.

"If it were only my own risk, I would take it a thousand times over," he
declared; "but when he tells me that it would be worse for you, that I
should be increasing your danger, there is nothing to be said. I would
kill myself rather than do that. I have racked my brain, I paced the
floor the whole of last night, but no inspiration will come. There
seems no way out."

"There is no way," said Vanna quietly. They were sitting in the
morning-room in the Cottage, that little room which seemed so empty
without the familiar figure on the sofa by the window. In deference to
Miggles's wishes, Vanna was wearing a simple white dress; but although
the melancholy aspect of mourning robes was removed, her face also
looked bleached and wan. The waiting hours had been terribly long to
the woman whose fate hung on the verdict. "There is no way! You made
me hope in spite of myself, for it seemed impossible that any one could
refuse you what you wished; but nothing is changed since I saw him last.
There was no reason why he should alter his opinion. I can see now
that he spoke to me so plainly just to try to avoid this crisis; but it
has come, and it is my fault. I ran away from another man who was
beginning to love me, but when it came to my own turn my courage gave
way. I knew that the day would come when I should have to suffer for
every hour of joy, but I was prepared to pay the price. I am prepared
still. I have had my day. I know what happiness is--the greatest
happiness which a human soul can know; and nothing can take that away.
I never dared to think that you would love me, but you do; and it's such
perfect bliss to know that, and to feel your arms round me, and to be
able to say all I feel, instead of bottling it up in my heart as I have
had to do all these months, that for my own sake I can't regret. Only
for yours, dearest; only for yours!"

"What do you think it means to me? Before I met you I was lonely and
dissatisfied--you know what I was like! People talk of _joie de vivre_.
I never knew it--never until this last year, since I have known you.
When we have been together I've wanted nothing. I've been more than
happy: I've been content. When we have been apart I have lived for the
time when I should see you again. If you love me, how