ntries at all
such points.

There, in a dim corner where the moonlight and the passing clouds threw
deep shadows, I saw her, clothed as ever in her shroud. Why, I know not.
I felt somehow that the situation was even more serious than ever. But I
was steeled to whatever might come. My mind had been already made up.
To carry out my resolve to win the woman I loved I was ready to face
death. But now, after we had for a few brief moments held each other in
our arms, I was willing to accept death--or more than death. Now, more
than before, was she sweet and dear to me. Whatever qualms there might
have been at the beginning of our love-making, or during the progress of
it, did not now exist. We had exchanged vows and confidences, and
acknowledged our loves. What, then, could there be of distrust, or even
doubt, that the present might not set at naught? But even had there been
such doubts or qualms, they must have disappeared in the ardour of our
mutual embrace. I was by now mad for her, and was content to be so mad.
When she had breath to speak after the strictness of our embrace, she
said:

"I have come to warn you to be more than ever careful." It was, I
confess, a pang to me, who thought only of love, to hear that anything
else should have been the initiative power of her coming, even though it
had been her concern for my own safety. I could not but notice the
bitter note of chagrin in my voice as I answered:

"It was for love's sake that _I_ came." She, too, evidently felt the
undercurrent of pain, for she said quickly:

"Ah, dearest, I, too, came for love's sake. It is because I love you
that I am so anxious about you. What would the world--ay, or heaven--be
to me without you?"

There was such earnest truth in her tone that the sense and realization
of my own harshness smote me. In the presence of such love as this even
a lover's selfishness must become abashed. I could not express myself in
words, so simply raised her slim hand in mine and kissed it. As it lay
warm in my own I could not but notice, as well as its fineness, its
strength and the firmness of its clasp. Its warmth and fervour struck
into my heart--and my brain. Thereupon I poured out to her once more my
love for her, she listening all afire. When passion had had its say, the
calmer emotions had opportunity of expression. When I was satisfied
afresh of her affection, I began to value her care for my safety, and so
I went back to t