It was all that Gard could say, but his voice was full of wonder, and joy. He never noticed that he had called the girl by her first name.
Nor did she. For an instant she poised, bird-like, her shining eyes seeking his. All thought of their surroundings had fallen away from both; there was for them, in that moment; only the holy mystery of love, filling their souls. He held out his arms and she came to him as naturally as a child seeks its mother.
Neither spoke. His face was against the bewildering fragrance of her hair as her head lay upon his breast. He held her close, in the safe, sweet haven of his arms.
He tried to raise her face, that he might see it, but she kept it hidden, blessing the kind, wise stars, that would not reveal her scarlet cheeks.
“Look up, darling! Oh, my love, let me see your eyes!”
For answer her arms stole up to his neck, and she clung the closer against the strong, brave heart that had borne so much.
“Did they hurt you?” she whispered. “Are you all safe now? Oh, oh, my dear heart—what if you had not been!”
She was trembling from head to foot. He took her two hands in one of his, carrying them to his lips.
“I am all right,” he said, “if I can only be sure I am awake. But how can I believe you are here if I do not see your face?”
She raised it at last, turning it up to his gaze under the pure starlight, and the sight held him in a hush of wonder.