"No, a bit tired. He's a wonderful man."
"He is, Johnson; you are quite right, a very wonderful man," said Eve with a bright smile.
When Alan came down he found her in the morning-room. He held out his arms.
"Come to me, Eve, come! I want you badly—I love you so. I thought once I should never see you again and it nearly killed me. I dreaded the idea of never seeing you more than the danger or the bullets."
She came; he took her to him and kissed her passionately. Johnson discreetly closed the door, he was an admirable servant. They were alone for an hour, a blessed time, more united than they had been, their hearts beating in unison; they were one.
Hurriedly he gave her a brief outline of his adventures. She listened breathlessly. He was indeed a hero, a brave man, and he was hers; her happiness was almost too much, she simply sighed and nestled to him. He punctuated his tale with kisses. He ended by saying in determined tones:
"We must be married before I return. I can't risk it again, after all
I have gone through. I dare not. You will consent, Eve; you will?"
She said yes and he was soothed and satisfied.
"Perhaps it will be as well to tell them all at breakfast," she said.
"All who?"