"I dared not offer further penance," he said.

The emotion in his voice stirred her — but she was still laughing down at him.

She said: "You did offer further penance — you offered your handkerchief. So — as that was all you offered as reparation for — my lips——"

"Eve! I could have taken you into my arms—-"

"You did! And threw me down among the spruces. You really did everything that a contrite heart could suggest——"

"Good heavens!" said that rather matter-of-fact young man, "I don't believe you have forgiven me after all."

"I have — everything except the handkerchief——"

"Then I'm coming up to complete my penance——"

"I'll lock my door!"

"Would you?"