Vane had sense enough not to enter along with his friend, as he thoroughly understood the saying about two being company and three none. In a most loyal fashion he obliterated himself, and Owain walked into the room by himself. The young man looked worn and ill, so that Gwen's heart was touched, and she felt ashamed of her conduct, which was responsible for his wilted appearance. Almost without thought she flew into his arms.
"I'm a horrid creature," she murmured. "Do forgive me and I'll be good."
"Oh!"--Owain's pale face flushed suddenly and his brown eyes sparkled--"then you don't believe----"
"I believe that you love me. Mademoiselle Zara has explained everything."
"Thank God for that. Where is she?"
"Do you wish to see her?" asked Miss Evans jealously.
"Only to thank her. But that can come later. Meantime"--he bent and kissed her three or four times--"oh, Gwen, how could you think that I loved any one in the world but you--you--you?"
"I was silly and wicked and--and----"
"No! No! There was some cause for your anger, as Madame Alpenny told so skilful a lie. It wasn't all a lie, of course, as I did propose to Zara."
"I know you did, and I know why you did. But you will be much happier with me than with her," said the girl naïvely.