He turned as he heard the door close, and came forward, a casual remark upon his lips, expressing the hope that it had not been inconvenient to send the motor so early—then saw Diana's face.
Instantly he took her trembling hands in his, saying gently: "It is all right, Miss Rivers. I can do as you wish. I am quite clear about it, to-day. You must forgive me for not having been able to decide yesterday."
Diana drew away her hands and clasped them upon her breast.
Her eyes dilated.
"David? Oh, David! You will? You will! You will——!"
Her voice broke. She gazed at him, helplessly—dumbly.
David's eyes, as he looked back into hers, were so calmly tender, that it somehow gave her the feeling of being a little child. His voice was very steadfast and unfaltering. He smiled reassuringly at Diana.
"I hope to have the honour and privilege, Miss Rivers," he said, "of marrying you on the morning of the day I sail for Central Africa."
Diana swayed, for one second; then recovered, and walked over to the mantel-piece.