gious sense--is it not marvellous, Merle?
From this it was only a step to the earth's strata, fossils, crystals--a
fresh lecture. And finally he would sum up the whole into one great
harmony of development, from the primary cell-life to the laws of
gravitation that rule the courses of the stars. Was it not marvellous?
One common rhythm beating through the universe--a symphony of
worlds!--And then he must have a kiss!

But she could only draw back and put him gently aside. It was as if he
came with all his stored-up knowledge--his lore of plants and fossils,
crystals and stars--and poured it all out in a caress. She could almost
have cried out for help. And after hurrying her through the wonders
of the universe in this fashion, he would suddenly catch her up in his
arms, and whirl her off in a passionate intoxication of the senses till
she woke at last like a castaway on an island, hardly knowing where or
what she was. She laughed, but she could have found it in her heart to
weep. Could this be love? In this strong man, whose life till now had
been all study and work, the stored-up feeling burst vehemently forth,
now that it had found an outlet. But why did it leave her so cold?

When Peer came in from the stables, humming a tune, he found her in the
sitting-room, dressed in a dark woollen dress with a red ribbon round
her throat.

He stopped short: "By Jove--how that suits you, Merle!"

She let her eyes linger on him for a moment, and then came up and threw
her arms round his neck.

"Did he have to go to the stables all alone today?"

"Yes; I've been having a chat with the young colt."

"Am I unkind to you, Peer?"

"You?--you!"

"Not even if I ask you to drive me in to see mother?"

"Why, that's the very thing. The new horse I bought yesterday from
Captain Myhre should be here any minute--I'm just waiting for it."

"A new horse--to ride?"

"Yes. Hang it--I must get some riding. I had to handle Arab horses for
years. But we'll try this one in the gig first."

Merle was still standing with her arms round his neck, and now she
pressed her warm rich lips to his, close and closer. It was at
such moments that she loved him--when he stood trembling with a joy
unexpected, that took him unawares. She too trembled, with a blissful
thrill through soul and body; for once and at last it was she who gave.

"Ah!" he breathed at last, pale with emotion. "I--I'd be glad to die
like that."

A little later they stood on