"I was really quite ignorant of that fact."
"Well, so it is. We all start together in three weeks' time, I believe."
A flush of pleased surprise passed over Sibyl's pale face.
"Then, in that case, I shall have an opportunity of accomplishing my long-cherished wish of visiting Italy. I have long and ardently desired to see that beautiful land."
"And after that, fairest Sibyl?"
"I shall return home."
"And what then, beautiful one?"
"'Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof,'" quoted Sibyl, with a smile. "Who knows what the future may bring forth?"
"Let me tell you, beautiful Sibyl," said Drummond, in the low, musical tones that had so often thrilled to her inmost heart. "After that may I claim this little hand as mine? Say, fairest Sibyl, may I look forward to our return to claim my bride?"
She lifted her eyes to the handsome face bending over her, so full of perfect love and devotion now; and, like the frank glorious creature she was, she laid her hand in his, and said: