e
wholesome, girlish face with its frank, trustworthy eyes. "Has anything
happened?" He was longing to hear that her request was prompted only by
her great desire to have speech with him alone; but even as the thought
crossed his mind, he knew that Honor would never have made an
assignation with him for any personal reason. Not with those truthful
eyes!

"A great deal seems to be happening," she said as they walked into the
building side by side, and found themselves seats in the verandah.
Dalton had hoped she would have led him to one of the public rooms
where, at least, they would have been safe from the curious eyes of
passing natives; but that she did not, was consistent with her
character, for she was as open as the day.

Seated beside him, she told him of Mrs. Ironside's letter and of her
own, unhappy fears for Joyce, and her future relations with her husband.

"She should not have gone home so soon after her marriage," said Dalton.
"I guessed how it would be when the nurse took on the job, for Meredith
is a very charming fellow, and she is a woman without a conscience."

"Brian, we must stop it!" It had been "Brian" and "Honey" in the
letters.

"Not even an angel from heaven could, if Meredith is infatuated. I tell
you, she is a clever fiend."

"It rests with you!" said Honor appealingly.

"With me?" surprised.

"Joyce and her husband love each other. I will not believe that he has
ceased to care. Doesn't sunstroke somewhat dull memory?"

"For a time, yes,--possibly. Sometimes altogether. Meredith, however, is
all right, or will be when he regains his normal vigour."

"I take it that he is not his normal self, and that when he is, he will
be ashamed of the part he is now playing. Joyce's happiness is at stake.
She is a simple little thing and very fond of him. Their happiness must
be saved--even at a sacrifice."

"Well?"

"Oh, Brian!--you will have to take your wife back!"

Dalton stared dumbly at her. That Honor should ask him to take back the
woman who had wrecked his life and whom he despised as the commonest
prostitute in the land!----

"_You_ ask me that?" he breathed.

Honor bent her head. She could not but realise that the step she
proposed was a terrible outrage.

"Why, Honey!" His voice was choked. "Have you any idea of what you are
asking me to do?"

"It will be a great sacrifice--which--which I shall--share--" words
failed her and she looked away with a pathetic trembling of her