She gave hers to his warm, kindly clasp, and her eyes, over which the veil had already fallen, uplifted themselves to his.
"I hope it is, but six months is a long time in life. So many things can happen. I hope you will have a safe journey and a successful issue to all your affairs, and--and that the difficulties you spoke of will all be swept from your path."
"Some of them are big enough. But when I come back I will address myself to the biggest undertaking of my life, and the dearest."
The door was opened, and Malcolm's voice announced that the motor was waiting outside.
Rosmead raised her hand to his lips and turned away, scarcely master of himself.
Isla spoke no more. But, for once in his life, Peter Rosmead had erred on the side of caution. The incomparable chance had been his, and he had passed it by.
When the door had closed upon them Isla leaned her head against the black oak of the window shutters, and a little sobbing breath that was almost a cry, broke from her lips.
Her last prop had gone, but none knew--least of all the man whose one desire on earth was to take her to his heart.
CHAPTER XIV
FAMILY COUNSELS