But when they were on their way to Spring Pond in a hired touring car with his steamer trunk and suit-cases strapped behind, he drew from his pockets the articles he had declared and paid for; and Athalie grew silent in delight as she looked down at the single and lovely strand of pearls.
All the way to Spring Pond she held them so, and her enchanted eyes reverted to them whenever she could bring herself to look anywhere except at him.
"I wondered," she said, "whether you would come to the country or whether you might think it better to remain in town."
"I shall go back to town only when you go."
"Dear, does that mean that you will stay with me at our own house?"
"If you want me."
"Oh, Clive! I was wondering—only it seemed too heavenly to hope for."
His face grew sombre for a moment. He said: "There is no other future for us. And even our comradeship will be misunderstood. But—if you are willing—"
"Is there any question in your mind as to the limit of my willingness?"
He said: "You know it will mark us for life. And if we remain guiltless, and our lives blameless, nevertheless this comradeship of ours will mark us for life."