We had climbed until we were at the top of a pass. Over the mountains the sun was going down. The great valley was already in shadow, but the light on the high woods was wonderful. Away on the top of a hill a little white shrine stood up like a candlestick against the sky. A rosy flush lay on the distant snow mountains, and the heavens themselves were filled with a great red glory. The same thought occurred to both of us.
"Who wouldn't be a day?" said I. "It's worth living only twelve hours to die a death like that."
We reached Savavic about half-past seven. I drove straight to the garage. She watched me put the car away and waited while I slipped into my brogues. Then:
"Now I must be off to Poganec," said I. "So endeth the first day's service."
"And the last."
I drew myself up.
"Am I dismissed, then?"
"Oh, well—"
"Of course, if you're not satisfied, madam—"
"But I am, only—"