"I suppose," said he, the words coming a little unevenly, "it would be too much to ask my wife to—come a little—nearer?"

"Nearer? Why, Geoffrey, dear, our chairs are touching now."

"Our chairs? Why, yes—so they are! I suppose," sighed he, "I suppose it would be breaking my word to my wife if I happened to—kiss my wife?"

"Why, Geoffrey—of course it would!"

"Yes, I feared so!" he nodded and kissed her hand instead, and there fell a silence.

"How heavenly it is!" she whispered softly, leaning a little nearer to him.

"Heavenly!" he answered, leaning a little nearer to her and watching the droop of her lashes.

"So—so quiet and—peaceful!" she added, drawing away again, conscious of his look.

"Horribly!" he sighed.

"Geoffrey!"