“You must promise first. But the answer must be the truth.” “Oh, what an insult! That’s the Jew back again. Anything more?” “Yes, the proper corollary to the answer.” “Don’t you think the escort is rather a coward to make all these terms now?” “Yes, but he insists all the same.” “Well, what is the word?” “Ralph,” I said. “That’s easy--Ralph,” she said with purposeful unconcern. “I’ve done two of the things--the escort ought to take me half-way home for that.” “Now for the question.” I paused and her light assumption of indifference changed under my earnest gaze. She made an effort to release herself. But I held her fast. “Do you love----” “Ralph!” A very different tone this as she hid her face against my shoulder and then let me lift it that our lips might meet in the rapturous ecstasy of the lingering betrothal kiss. Roused by the sound of approaching wheels, we drew apart and walked on hand in hand. It proved to be the carriage which had taken me to the station and the driver asked if I needed him. Oblivious to all else save our happiness, I should have let him pass, but the question brought me to earth, and I stopped him. He stared in some astonishment at us both as I put Miralda into the carriage and told him to drive first to my rooms. I remembered that Pia was waiting there, and when I told Miralda about her, she declared she would take her home. When we reached my rooms, Simmons was there, Bryant having sent him back when he did not see me, and I told him to go in search of Bryant. Then I took Pia out to Miralda and drove home with her. We found that the viscontesse had not heard anything of the projected flight from the city. The letter which Miralda had written to tell her about it had not been delivered, Barosa having substituted for it one written by himself to say Miralda would be home that evening. “You see I didn’t answer that question after all,” said Miralda as we were alone and I was bidding her good-night. “Which question?” I asked, as if I did not understand. “You know I didn’t.” “Didn’t you? I had an impression----” “Not in words,” she broke in with a flash of happy laughter. “That’s a challenge. You shall answer it now,” I cried, putting my arm as far round her much-swathed waist as it would reach. “You are developing a very masterful manner, Mr. Jew.” “It is necessary with a rebellious market woman. Answer it now.” “Which question?” she mocked, mimicking my indifferent tone. “Do--you--love----” She put her hand to my lips, and silenced me, and then lifting her eyes to mine she threw her arms round my neck and whispered: “With all my heart, Ralph, and for all my life.” And again we sealed the compact with the all appropriate formalities.