"And yet I fancied I had two rubbers to play and hoped to win."
"Really?" said Dimbie. "Only one as far as I know, and the first game is already yours."
"You are very kind," she said simply. "I understand, and am grateful. I did so want to see Marguerite again."
"You could not be more grateful than I am for your coming," he returned earnestly. "The thanks are on our side." And I knew he meant it.
"A rubber and a half for Jane," I whispered to the tortoise. And I stretched out a hand and held Dimbie's closely in mine.
CHAPTER XXV
AN ENGAGEMENT, AND I TELL JANE MY STORY
The two of them came down the garden path hand in hand. The sun caressed Jane's small, dark head. She wore the pretty, cool, grey gown, and in her belt was tucked a red rose no redder than her cheeks. They stopped in front of the couch, and I held out my hands to them.
"I know," I said. "You needn't tell me. I'm so glad. You two dear things. It is beautiful, and—I like your suit, Dr. Renton; my sartorial instinct is good, I think."