’I have suffered, because since I married you I knew it was wrong to think of another man, and I do believe I should have conquered in the end had not Captain Trecarrel come here. I thought he came after Orange, and I have done my best to promote her interests. I want him to go away, and then I will begin my battle over again. He will leave now, and in time I shall have conquered the thoughts I ought not to harbour.’ ’Mirelle—one word. Shall I stay here? I shall not trouble you with my presence more than is absolutely necessary. My old office shall be my home, but I shall be at hand to advise and to help you.’ She shook her head. ’I have no right to say Go, or Stay. You must act as you see fit. You are master here; you are my husband; this is your house. But if you will listen to my prayer, I will ask you to go away again—not for long, for a little while. I want rest; I want to be quite alone with God and my own heart. I have got a wrestle to go through, and I had rather undertake it without a spectator. Do not be afraid for me. I shall come out victorious in the end, I do not doubt that. Only, these wrestles take a great deal of strength out of me. When I feel better, and know that the worst is over, I will write to you, and then come and I shall be able to see you. You are still my friend—nothing I have said or done has altered that?’ ’No, no—Mirelle.’ ’I always respect and honour you. I know that you are upright and good, and I would love you if I could. I may do so some day, but the weed must be rooted out before the grain is sown.’ ’Very well, Mirelle. You said as we walked back from Willapark that here we have the cross hammered into our lives. You have yours, I have mine. It must be so. Perhaps a better time may be in store for both of us.’ ’Perhaps.’ She looked sadly out of the window. The sun had set, and the golden path on the sea was turned to quicksilver. She rose and moved towards the door into her own room. ’I am very tired. Shall we say Good night?’ ’And good-bye. I leave before morning.’ ’It is best so.’ She hung about the door, looking timidly at him. Her hand was on the latch, and it shook; she removed it, but presently put it on again. ’When am I to return? In a month, or two months?’ he asked. She shook her head. ’I cannot say; I will write to you. Give me your address before you leave.’ ’There are one or two little matters connected with our affairs here that ought to be discussed.’ ’Here is the key of my bureau. Will you write your instructions? They shall be carried out faithfully. I am very tired. You said I was weak; I am weak in body. Write at my desk, and leave the note in it, and the key in the lock.’ ’Very well, Mirelle; good-bye!’ Then she raised her great dark eyes to him, and came tremblingly towards him. ’Kiss me,’ she said; ’you have a right to that.’