It was marvellous to think that anyone so big and masterful would give way to her so humbly. She pulled her hand from his and showed him her whitened fingers.

“Look! How cruel, Stephen!”

He was all contrition at once; she saw herself precious in his eyes, and tilted her head, a faint smile of new-born confidence on her lips.

Then, after what seemed a very little while, Lawrence’s key grated in the front door lock, and Stephen sprang up.

“I never knew that I could be in such a fever of anxiety!” he said. “Wait here, my darling, won’t you?”

“Yes,” she answered, and raised her hand to brush a piece of fluff from his coat.

His eyes laughed, and again he caught her in his arms.

“Oh, you darling!” he said, and went striding out to meet Lawrence.

Chapter Eight

It was not very long before Miss Arden came in. She found Elizabeth wrapped in dreams, slowly regaining her balance.

“Well, well, nothing to do?” she exclaimed. “Haven’t you any sewing, my dear?”

Her voice interrupted the pleasant reverie and irritated Elizabeth. She looked up, and that tiny, triumphant smile again curved her lips.

“Stephen is here,” she said.

Miss Arden glanced round the room as though he were hidden somewhere in it.

“Where?” she asked. “His car is not outside.”

“I suppose he took a taxi,” Elizabeth answered. “He’s with Father.”

Miss Arden jumped and stared very hard at Elizabeth.

“My dear?”

“We’re—we’re going to be married,” Elizabeth said simply.

Miss Arden dropped her furs and her bag and almost fell upon her niece.

“Oh, my darling! my dearest child!” she cried. “What —What can I say?” She kissed Elizabeth, and fondled her hair. Her eyes were wet. “I don’t know how I shall bear it, or what I shall do without you! But I’m very, very glad, for your sake. If I have to give you up to any man I’d sooner it was to Stephen. Oh, darling, are you very happy?”

“I think I am,” Elizabeth said conscientiously.

“I Think! Elizabeth, surely, surely—”

“No, of course I’m happy. It’s only that it was so sudden—I don’t quite know where I am or what’s happening.”