"Do you mean that we must part?" she gasped, withdrawing herself.
"For a time," he assured her, "only for a time--say a week."
"Oh," Mavis stretched out her arms langorously, "how can I live through seven days without you?"
"By knowing that sacrifice is the soul of love."
"But why must you go?" she entreated. "Oh, do not go, darling. Let us be always together in this garden."
"I fear Bellaria will object," said Haskins, smiling.
"She will never know?"
"Oh yes. We cannot always meet by stealth. Bellaria is a woman, and will sooner or later discover our secret. Then there is Geary, and your guardian."
Mavis shivered. "I am afraid of Geary, with his big knife, but not of Bellaria or my guardian. She will be a little angry, but when I tell her how happy I am she will be glad. And my guardian is always kind. Oh, Gerald, tell him that you love me, and wish me to be your wife. Then he will stop Geary from coming here, and we can be happy."
Haskins hugged her to his breast and smiled grimly in the darkness. He was very certain that, if he told Major Rebb, there would be no end of trouble. In order to arrive at some conclusion it was necessary to make inquiries as to why Rebb kept the girl in the Pixy's House. When that was known, steps might be taken to release her, and when she was released she could be presented to the world as Mrs. Gerald Haskins. But to make inquiries it was necessary that he should go to London and consult Tod, who was sharp enough in professional matters, and a visit to London meant a seven days' separation from Mavis. "I don't think that the Major will be overpleased at my wooing you by stealth," said Gerald, choosing his words, so as not to alarm her. "You see, I should have come openly and with his permission."