"Before you saw me!"
"I think it began," said Victoria, "when I learned that you had shot Mr.
Blodgett—only I hope you will never do such a thing again. And you will
please try to remember," she added, after a moment, "that I am neither
Eben Fitch nor your friend, Tom Gaylord."
Sunset found them seated on the rock, with the waters of the river turned to wine at the miracle in the sky their miracle. At times their eyes wandered to the mountain, which seemed to regard them from a discreet distance—with a kindly and protecting majesty.
"And you promised," said Victoria, "to take me up there. When will you do it?"
"I thought you were going away," he replied.
"Unforeseen circumstances," she answered, "have compelled me to change my plans."
"Then we will go tomorrow," he said.
"To the Delectable Land," said Victoria, dreamily; "your land, where we shall be—benevolent despots. Austen?"
"Yes?" He had not ceased to thrill at the sound of his name upon her lips.
"Do you think," she asked, glancing at him, "do you think you have money enough to go abroad—just for a little while?"