There was nothing to say; it was all understood so well. She stood beside him, her hands in his in a strange lull of mutual knowledge.
'How did you come?' he asked her at last.
'Anthony,' she answered, 'he knows—all.'
'How like him! But,' with a man's ready thought for the woman he loves, 'you must not be found here. Say good-bye to me, Valerie.'
'John,' she clung to him, 'how can I let you go? You are dying for Maäsau—for my father—for me—yes, yes, I can guess all!'
'Valerie, do you know what your love is to me? I need nothing more. I have not thought of what there is beyond, but when you want me you will find me waiting.'
In the long silence life itself might have been suspended.
'When?' said Valerie, in a sudden recollection of anguish.
'To-morrow,' he answered, understanding the broken question.
Valerie raised her wet eyes.