"_Merrily, merrily, shall I live now, Under the blossom that hangs on the bough-- Merrily, merrily, shall I live now, Under the blossom that hangs on the bough-- Under the blossom that hangs on the bough._" With a fine, happy smile, Lyveden heard the song out. Then he stepped to my lady and caught her two hands. "Exquisite," he said, glowing. "Exquisite, Valerie. I never knew you had such a lovely voice." As he spoke, the girl's knees sagged, and he was just in time to catch her before she fell.... Her collapse was momentary. She was not, I suppose, unconscious for more than five seconds. It was, indeed, at her bidding that Anthony set her down upon a low stone seat. It was natural that he should be greatly concerned. "Oh, my sweet, it was my fault. I frightened you. I know I did. Lean your head back. That's right. I was all worked up about that rotten dream. I'll never mention it again. I'm so very sorry, dear. I wouldn't have upset you for anything. And you sang so beautifully.... Why did you sing, Valerie?" "I--I don't know. I heard a bee humming, and that made me think of the song. It was very silly." "It was very sweet, lass. And I just loved it. And, oh, my lady, please never think of our misunderstanding again. I felt I wanted just to know, but that was all. D'you feel better now?" Valerie nodded. "Are you sure?" "Quite." "Shall I get you some water?" "No, thanks, lad. I'm all right now." Kneeling on one knee beside her, Anthony patted her hand. "I'm so thankful.... I can't get over your singing like that ... I felt--carried away. I shall remember it always." He sighed happily. "I've got so many happy memories to take away." Valerie sat up straight. "To take away?" she breathed. "My dear, I've been here nearly six months already. It's only with an effort that I can remember that I'm your guest. I don't want to go. Drifting along like this is simply perfect, but ... there's such a lot to be done ... heaps." "There's plenty of time." "I know, but--well, look at my clothes, for one thing. I'm not fit to be seen." The girl breathed again. Then-- "Oh, yes, you are, old chap. Fitter than you think. Besides, you don't have to stay in London because you're going to a tailor." "I know," said Anthony slowly. "I know. But it isn't only that. You see, my lady, when I came here to your house, it was as a footman.... And I think I'd better leave it as--well, no more than a friend. That's a big enough step, in all conscience. After a little--a very little--I shall come, again, Valerie...." His fingers closed about hers. "You never came here as a footman," said the girl. "You came as my beloved. You went out of the garden of _The Leather Bottel_ that very first day--my lord. What does it matter what else you were--are--will be? Oh, Anthony, you dear, honourable child...." With his disengaged hand Lyveden covered his eyes.