And afterward, when smiles came again, they fell into the inarticulate babblings that from the beginning of time have been the expression of lovers.
They forgot time, so that neither knew how long it had been before a denim-clad soldier stood saluting in the doorway.
Steve, over his shoulder, fired a question at the man. "What do you want?"
"The compliments of General Culvera, señor and señorita, and I was to remind you that luncheon has been waiting twenty minutes."
Steve and Ruth looked at each other and laughed. They went downstairs hand in hand.
THE END