He laughed, and obeyed her, setting a cup and plate within reach.
"You seem to have been making the most of your privilege. Have you done anything while I was out?"
"But yes. I have been possessing my soul in quietness; and—I have been talking to Eldred."
He passed a caressing hand over her hair.
"Pauvre petite! How much of that do you really believe?"
"Don't ask uncomfortable questions! At least it helps a little when I feel I can't wait any longer, and—I am almost sure it helps him too. I shall find that out when—if he gets back."
"Let 'ifs' alone, ma belle. They are gadflies of the devil's breeding. That great Scotchman of yours would work his way back to you, if he had to go through hell to do it. Moi, je le sais."
She flushed softly; and her eyes looked beyond his through the open doorway, rapt and shining.
"You do believe in him now, Michel," she said. "And you forgive him?
He has made me so supremely happy."
Michael shook his head.