“No, I would not—because I am glad, glad, glad, that I ran away. If I had not——”
“Yes?” Maurice had her hand fast by this time.
“I should still have been a rebel, opposing the head of my house,” said Eirene demurely.
“We might even have been pitted against one another,” said Maurice, with equal solemnity. “By the bye, have you gone into my claims at all?”
“No, they are yours, and you believe they are just—that is enough,” said Eirene.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THROUGH ANOTHER MAN’S EYES.
“Well, did I play up to you?” asked Wylie, finding Zoe in the verandah the next day.
“You did, indeed. Your booted and spurred impatience was most telling. I’m sure it woke Maurice to a sense of the desperate nature of the situation, and so brought about the happy result. Don’t you feel proud of your first attempt at match-making? I do.”
“You were the match-maker; I only acted under your orders. What am I to have for it?” demanded Wylie.
“A promise of further employment if your services should at any time be needed,” said Zoe, with unnatural coolness, looking round desperately for a way of escape. “Oh, here are Maurice and Eirene, released at last from their conference with the Professor!” she cried, with real relief. “Well, what have you settled?” as they came up the steps, Maurice obviously quivering with excitement, Eirene reluctant and blushing.