“Perpetua! Perpetua!”
The words came so softly through the closed door that they might have been uttered by any one. But she was conscious of a stirring at her heart as she asked anew:
“Who calls?”
This time the response came clearly, in the unmistakable voice.
“A certain hunter,” Robert said; and at the sound a passion of memory conquered her, banishing her father’s cautions.
Robert could hear her give a little, glad cry. He could hear the sound of a bolt being shot back; then the door opened and Perpetua came out into the sunlight. Her eyes were very bright, her hands extended in welcome. He drew back a little in delight at her beauty, and she advanced to him joyously.
“You have come back?” she said.
Robert caught her outstretched hands.
“How could I keep away?” he asked, looking into her eyes that mirrored his.