e likes. The old gentleman dotes
on her and allows her to have her way in everything. She has ever
been wilful, even from a child."

She did not attempt to shield her sister, and yet she uttered no
condemnation of her conduct. I could not, even then, understand the
situation. To me one of two things was apparent. Either she feared to
displease her sister because of some power the latter held over her,
or this neglect of old Mr. Courtenay was pleasing to her.

"I wonder you don't give Mary a hint that her conduct is being noticed
and remarked upon. Of course, don't say that I've spoken of it. Merely
put it to her in the manner of a vague suggestion."

"Very well, if you wish it," she responded promptly, for she was ever
ready to execute my smallest desire.

"And you love me quite as truly and as well as you did a year ago?" I
asked, eagerly, stroking the dark tendrils from her white brow.

"Love you?" she echoed. "Yes, Ralph," she went on, looking up into my
face with unwavering gaze. "I may be distrait and pre-occupied
sometimes, but, nevertheless, I swear to you, as I did on that
summer's evening long ago when we were boating together at Shepperton,
that you are the only man I have ever loved--or shall ever love."

I returned her caress with a passion that was heartfelt. I was devoted
to her, and these tender words of hers confirmed my belief in her
truth and purity.

"Need I repeat what I have told you so many times, dearest?" I asked,
in a low voice, as her head rested upon my shoulder and she stood in
my embrace. "Need I tell you how fondly I love you--how that I am
entirely yours? No. You are mine, Ethelwynn--mine."

"And you will never think ill of me?" she asked, in a faltering tone.
"You will never be suspicious of me as you have been to-night? You
cannot tell how all this upsets me. Perfect love surely demands
perfect confidence. And our love is perfect--is it not?"

"It is," I cried. "It is. Forgive me, dearest. Forgive me for my
churlish conduct to-night. It is my fault--all my fault. I love you,
and have every confidence in you."

"But will your love last always?" she asked, with just a tinge of
doubt in her voice.

"Yes, always," I declared.

"No matter what may happen?" she asked.

"No matter what may happen."

I kissed her fervently with warm words of passionate devotion upon my
lips, and went forth into the rainy winter's night with my suspicions
swept away and with love renewed within