“Gradually I have come to realise that, before I came back, harmony reigned at Whitewater Farms. Now, there is the slightest note of discord. I am conscious of it. I know the others are. I understand, now, it was inevitable.... I am Eris, daughter of Discord.... But for you, Eris and Eros are merged and one. I strike out the i!... Forever, Barry. I and i melt into U and you! My eyes, too. Darling! Did you ever suspect such silly wit in me? “Your attorney writes to me occasionally. He assures me he is speeding the annulment. To me, that brief phase was vaguer than a dream of which one remembers only an indefinable discomfort. “When it is brushed away forever I shall marry you. If children come I can’t go on acting--or only between times. Not even then, because I shan’t leave them or you;--or you, Barry--chiefly you.... I shall be a good wife and a good mother.... And you shall provide our fame. “And I shall turn lazy, and repose in the shadow of your greatness. * * * * * “When our time has come I should like a small house in the country. Would you? A garden? Hills--breezy in spring--and a little brook in the woods--and a cow or two--for the children’s sake. Do you mind, darling? “When I was a young girl I was inclined toward verse. Here is one effusion: ‘This is my Prophet’s Paradise to come:-- Long grass a-tremble by a little brook, A hillside where brown bees contented hum, And I alone there with God’s Wonder-book Wherein I read and ponder, read and pray, Learning a truer Truth from day to day.’ “Be merciful to a school-girl’s rhymes. I’ve still a book full to show you, dear. “And now, back to earth: I begin work in a little while, as you know.... And I am very fain to have you take me in your arms, Barry. And so shall soon come to you, being inclined that way--yours--yours no less truly now than when the law permits--always your property--your refuge, God willing--your roof, your shelter, your retreat, to hold by right, to enjoy in peace--the girl you found shabby and asleep, and have awakened, clothed in light. “Gratitude undying; loyalty to you; love. “Eris.” CHAPTER XXXIV That mental jumping-off place, popularly known as “the psychological moment,” is usually hatched out of the dust-pan of Destiny. Materialistic sweepings. And, sometimes spontaneous combustion follows. Old Lady Destiny, house-cleaning, swept together, from various directions, elements which, uncombined, would not have set the dust-bin afire. Apropos of Annan and his stories, Coltfoot had made this objection, saying that the literary explosion never seemed to be spontaneous, and charging the author with secreting in the heap a firecracker of commercial manufacture.