“I have no fear of your turning tyrant,” she answered, with a sad little smile; “you are only too good to me.” “Good! There can be no question of goodness. If a man picked up a diamond as precious as the Koh-i-noor, could he be good to it? How can I be good to my gem? I have but one thing left in the world to desire, or to pray for.” “What is that, Martin?” “To see you happy.” Again the sudden flame crimsoned her face, that sensitive spiritual face which reflected every change of feeling. “I am happy, Martin, quite happy, happier than I ever thought to be, now that you are home again. What have I more to desire?” “Is that really so? Was my long absence your greatest trouble?” “Yes,” she answered slowly, looking at him with a curiously steady look, “that was the beginning and end of my trouble.” “Thank God!” he said, drawing a deep breath. “There have been moments--just of late--when I have puzzled my brains about you--until I thought--” very slowly, “there might have been something else.” He clasped her in his arms, and hid her face upon his breast, as if--fearing that he might have wounded her by those last words--he wanted to make amends before she had time to feel his unkindness. His tenderness for her had so much of that pitying love which a strong man feels for a child. This conversation occurred the day before Allegra’s arrival; but with that young lady’s appearance on the scene, new life and gladness came into the little household. Allegra sang, Allegra played, Allegra ran out into the garden twenty times a day, and called through the open window to Isola, sitting quietly in the drawing-room, to come out and look at this or that--a rose finer than all other roses--a suggested alteration--an atmospheric effect--anything and everything. She was a keen observer of Nature, full of vivid interest in every creature that lived, and in every flower that grew. Tim followed her everywhere as she danced along the gravel walks, or across the short springy turf. Tim adored her, and grinned at her, and threw himself into all manner of wriggling attitudes upon the grass to express his delight in her company, and fawned at her feet, and talked to her after his guttural fashion, snorting his friendly feelings. Tim had long languished for such a companion, having found his young mistress’s society very heavy of late. No more runs in the meadow, no more rambles in the neighbouring spinney, and very little boating. But now that Allegra had come the skiff was seldom idle. Isola had to go on the river whether she liked or not. There were strong young arms ready to pull her--round young arms, of a lovely roseate fairness, which looked their best, stretched to the motion of the sculls, with the white cambric shirt rolled up above the elbow.