there is time we are to be married before I leave for
France."

"Yes; I hope there will be time," she said quietly.

"You would make a charming widow," he said jokingly.

"Don't say such horrible things," she replied.

"I won't offend again. There's too much in life to even hint at
death," he said.

"Let me know if I can see you in London before you go to-morrow?" she
said.

"I will; I'll send a special messenger."

"To my town house. I shall be there. I will go up to-night in order
to be ready."

"You're the best of women!" he said, kissing her.

He was gone. She sent for her maid and gave orders about traveling to
London in the afternoon. How happy she was! Alan had asked her to be
his wife at last! She had waited a long time; it seemed almost too
good to be true. She wished she could be married before he went away;
then she would be quite sure of him. Now he was gone she wondered if
her spell over him would ever be in danger of breaking. She blamed
herself for such thoughts, but they would intrude, causing little pangs
of uneasiness and doubt that irritated her.

On the journey to London she was filled with hope and fears. Their
marriage would settle everything, give her the right to look after
Trent Park and all belonging to it, of which she was capable, and knew
it. There would be much to do in his absence; he had asked her before
and she consented, but there were difficulties.

There were several stoppages on the way; inquiries elicited the
information that traffic was congested owing to the movements of
troops. Already war made a difference; what would it be in the course
of a year?

Alan called late at night. There was no chance of a marriage, he was
to leave in the morning. He fretted and fumed at the delay, but Eve
dispelled his gloom and he went cheerfully after an affectionate
parting. After his departure she sat in a disconsolate mood in the
large room, longing for company. She wondered if she ought to make
their engagement known. He had said nothing about it; perhaps better
not until she heard from him. There was the satisfaction of knowing he
loved her, that she was to be his wife. Even this did not dispel the
shadows; she tried to convince herself all would be well--only
partially succeeding.

As for Alan, in the rush and turmoil of departure he almost forgot the
question of an immediate marriage. It could not take place yet, so why
trouble about it? Eve was his an