"Betty?"
"Sometimes you do seem almost—afraid to—touch me."
"I am."
"And wherefore?"
"Because even now there are times when I scarce can credit my wondrous happiness, scarce believe you can really love—such as I——"
"None the less I shall convince you once and for all—one day, Master Humility!"
And now she lifted her head at last and looked at him, and, thrilling to the revelation of that look, he leaned swiftly down to her, but then she put up gentle hand and stayed him.
"John," she murmured, "dear, when you look at me so you are not a bit humble, I know not if I fear you or—love you most. Stay, John, if my hair should come down and anyone see I—O then quick, John—there's aunt calling! Let us join the company ere we are fetched like truants. She is out on the terrace with Pancras and Mr. Marchdale who is a trifle trying at times being over-youthful and very soberly adoring. 'Chaste hour, soft hour, O hour when first we met!'" she quoted. "Indeed," she laughed, "'tis a very worshipful, humble youth so very unlike——"
"Mr. Dalroyd!" said the Major thoughtfully.
My lady started, the rosebud fell from relaxed fingers and she glanced up with a look in her eyes that might have been mistaken for sudden fear.