Surely you believe in love," said Lady Tanagra.

"Me and Mrs. Triggs lived together 'appily for over thirty years," he
replied gravely, "and when a man an' woman 'ave lived together for all
that time they get to believe in love. It's never been the same since
she died." His voice became a little husky, and Elton looked at Lady
Tanagra, who lowered her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Triggs. Will you tell us about--about----?" she broke
off.

"Well, you see, me dear," said Mr. Triggs in an uncertain voice, "I was
a foreman when I met 'er, and she was a servant; but--somehow or other
it seemed that we were just made for each other. Once I knew 'er, I
didn't seem to be able to see things without her. When I was at
work--I was in the building trade, foreman-carpenter," he explained, "I
used to be thinking of 'er all the time. If I went anywhere without
'er--she only had one night off a week and one day a month--I would
always keep thinking of how she would like what I was seeing, or
eating. It was a funny feeling," he added reminiscently as if entirely
unable to explain it. "Somehow or other I always wanted to 'ave 'er
with me, so that she might share what I was 'aving. It was a funny
feeling," he repeated, and he looked from one to another with moist
eyes. "Of course," he added, "I can't explain things like that. I'm
not clever."

"I think, Mr. Triggs, that you've explained love in--in----" Lady
Tanagra broke off and looked at Elton, who was unusually grave.

"Mr. Triggs has explained it," he replied, "in the only way in which it
can be explained, and that is by being defined as unexplainable."

Mr. Triggs looked at Elton for a moment, then nodded his head violently.

"That's it, Mr. Elton, that's it. It's a feeling, not a thing that you
can put into words."

Lady Tanagra looked at Patricia, who was apparently engrossed in the
waving tops of the trees.

"I shall always remember your definition of love, Mr. Triggs," said
Lady Tanagra with a far away look in her eyes. "I think you and Mrs.
Triggs must have been very happy together."

"'Appy, me dear, that wasn't the word for it," said Mr. Triggs. "And
when she was taken, I--I----" he broke off huskily and blew his nose
vigorously.

"Suppose you were very poor, Mr. Triggs," began Patricia.

"I was when I married," interrupted Mr. Triggs.

"Suppose you were very poor," continued Patricia, "and you loved
someone very rich. What would you do?"

"God bles