and
limitations loomed again on the horizon. But for the present she would
have none of them. Eldred was not angry. He wanted her--supremely:--how
supremely, his lips had just been telling her in language more primitive,
more forcible than speech.

And now he lay merely watching her, still retaining her hands, drinking
in the penetrating charm of her, as a parched traveller drinks at a
roadside spring.

"Well?" he asked presently. "After all that--what next? There's the
rub."

"Need we spoil these first heavenly moments together by looking for rocks
ahead, _mon cher_? Captain Desmond begged me to keep the 'worry element'
at arm's-length."

"Dear old Desmond! He's made of gold. But now that you are here, you've
got to be explained. And there's only one way to explain you--Mrs Lenox!"

Her face quivered.

"Eldred, I won't be explained . . that way, unless . . you really wish
it. Only Mrs Olliver and Major Wyndham know about me: and now I've seen
you, and feel sure there's no more danger, I can easily go back to
Dalhousie and stay there, till you . . till you're more ready for me."

"Can you though?" He pressed her hands. "And do you believe I am
capable of packing you off to-morrow?"

"I don't know. I think you'd prefer not to. But I believe you are
capable of doing anything, once you're convinced it's right."

"Dearest, indeed I'm not." He spoke with sudden vehemence. "If I were,
we might be clear of this unholy tangle by now. But since you've
honoured me by plunging into hell fire on my account, I can't let you go
again . . . yet."

The last word fell like a drop of cold water on the hope that glowed at
her heart. But she chose to ignore it.

"Well then?"

He raised one hand, and laid it lightly on her breast, feeling for hidden
treasure. Then his fingers closed on the two rings; and he smiled.

"Since you seem to have forgiven the ill-tempered chap who gave you
those, you might do worse than have 'em out, and wear them--by way of
explanation!"

Her own hand went up to them, instinctively, and closed over his.

"I'll take them out now, at once, if you'll promise to put the wedding
one on, yourself, with the proper words."

"What? Not the whole blessed service?"

At the note of dismay in his voice her laughter rang out, clear and
natural; a silver sound, that pierced him with its poignant sweetness.

"Darling idiot! Of course not. I only meant the 'ring' words for luck.
Thou