"I don't know. I'm just nervous. I don't feel equal to the strain of such an interview to-night. It means so much to you. It means so much to me now that love rules my life——"
He took her hands in his and drew her into the friendly shadows beside the walk.
"Love does rule life, doesn't it?"
"Absolutely. I'm frightened when I realize it," she sighed.
"You are all mine now? In life, in death, through evil report and good report?"
"In life, in death, through evil report and good report——yours forever, dearest!"
He took her in his arms and held her in silence. She could feel him trembling with deep emotion.
"There's nothing to be nervous about then," he said, reassuringly, as his arms relaxed. "Come, we'll hurry. I want to send a message to my father to-night announcing his release."
At the entrance to the White House grounds they passed a man who shot a quick glance at John, and Betty thought his head moved in a nod of approval or recognition.
"You know him?" she asked nervously.