"I thought—I thought you liked him," he said bewilderedly.
"I did. I do, I mean—but not that way. He—he—Oh, I really like him," she cried tremulously, "but not—we've had it all out and everything's all over. I'm sorry—sorry—but he'll be really glad bye and bye. For my story shocked him terribly.... And then there's Lady Claire. He didn't like to have her down with you even when he was up with me." She laughed softly. "Oh, I shouldn't have let him be so friendly here but I did like him and you—you were so—so hateful."
The moon and stars whirled giddily around him as he put his arms about her. Like a man in a dream he drew her to him.
"I love you—love you," he said huskily over the bright maze of hair.
"You don't!" came with muffled intensity from the hidden lips. "You said to that man—when I was in that cave—'Nothing doing!'"
"It wasn't his affair—I hadn't a hope.... Oh, my dear, my dear, I've been breaking my heart——"
"And I've had such a perfectly h-hateful three days," sobbed the voice.
His arms closed tighter about her, incredible of their happiness.
"Oh, Arlee, I can't tell you—I haven't words——"
"I've had deeds!" she whispered.