"Sleep well," she whispered, smothering a little laugh.
"Sleep safely, Lois."
"That is why I desired you—so I might sleep safely, knowing myself safe when you are, too. And you are safe only when you are at my side. Do you follow my philosophy?"
I said presently: "This is our White Bridal, Lois. The ceremony completes itself by dawn."
"Save that the Sagamore is but a heathen priest, truly I feel myself already wedded to you, so solemn was our pretty rite.... Dare you kiss me, Euan? You never have. Christians betrothed may kiss each other once, I think."
"Not such as we—if the rite means anything to us."
"Why?"
"Not on the White Bridal night—if we regard this rite as sacred."
"I feel its sacredness. That is why I thought no sin if you should kiss me—on such a night."
She sat up in her blanket; and I sat up, too.