Yet, that night, when at last in safety she had said good-bye to the man who had secured it for her, he knew that he was in love with her. And, at such crises, the veil that hides hearts becomes transparent.
At that instant he had seen and known. Afterward he had dared not believe that he had know.
But hers had been a purer courage.
* * * * *
As he strode on, the comprehension of her candour, her honesty, the sweet bravery that had conceived, created, and sent that letter, thrilled this young man until his heavy boots sprouted wings, and the trail he followed was but a path of rosy clouds over which he floated heavenward.
* * * * *
And half an hour later he came to his senses with a distinct shock.
Straight ahead of him on the trail, and coming directly toward him, moved a figure in knickers and belted tweed.
Flecked sunlight slanted on the stranger's cheek and burnished hair, dappling face and figure with moving, golden spots.
Instantly Darragh knew and trembled.