at. And I could help with Paul when he is
convalescent. We could have him in the bungalow. I know separation is
bound to come some day. But not in this terrible fashion, and not yet.
_Please_, Theo, not yet."

Then, because tears threatened, she leaned down till her forehead
rested against his shoulder, and furtively dried her lashes with the
back of her hand. When a strong woman lays aside her strength, and
relies on the inherent power of her womanhood, no man on earth is a
match for her. Desmond could only surrender at discretion, and take
her altogether to himself.

"And you began by saying you would never defy me!" he whispered into
her ear. "What else do you call this, I wonder? You incurable woman!
Is it really because you are so keen to help, or chiefly because you
want to be in my pocket? Which?"

"Chiefly because I want to be in your pocket," she answered without
shame, and he kissed her bowed head.

"But mind you," his tone changed abruptly, "I have no business to give
in to you; and if any harm should come of it, I could never forgive
myself. I believe I should blow my brains out on the spot."

At that she lifted her head and stood up beside him.

"Theo, you _shall_ not say such dreadful things."

"It's no more than the truth," he answered, with a touch of defiance.
"Lord, how you women, and the children you give us, complicate life for
a man! Yet it's not worth a brass farthing without you both."

"Thank you for owning that much!--Now I must write my note, and see
about packing. Come up soon, dear. There's an endless deal to do
before we can think of going to bed."

On his way up to join her twenty minutes later, Desmond looked into
Lenox's small room. Zyarulla had strewn the floor with books, boots,
clothes, and a couple of boxes, preparatory to going into action. His
master, enveloped in a cloud of blue smoke, sat afar off directing the
plan of campaign. A great peace pervaded his aspect, and the
unmistakable fragrance that filled the room brought two deep lines into
Desmond's forehead.

"Just looked in to find out how you were getting on," said he. "Not
seen O'Malley already, have you?"

"No. But his verdict is a foregone conclusion, so we're going ahead
with things. Your wife's not really coming, is she?"

"Yes. I did my best to prevent it; but there's no gainsaying her."

"Great Scott, she's a plucky woman! You must have plenty to see to
both of you. Don't let me ke