But once in the coupé he had engaged, and on their way to Dover, all his pent-up passion seemed to break forth, and he crushed her against his breast as he murmured: “Now for my kiss--the one you have kept back for your happy husband, love.” And as she shyly approached her lips to his it seemed to both as if their very souls mingled in that long, glad, passionate embrace. CHAPTER XIX. THE FIRST CLOUD. “I declare, we have been six months abroad, and not yet come across a single person we know,” said Lady Gwendolyn to her husband one morning. “I wonder how it is?” “Well, we haven’t tried to come across people we know, for one thing.” “But it might easily have happened accidentally.” “Don’t let us boast,” Colonel Dacre returned, as he passed his hand through her arm. “A thing always happens directly you begin to congratulate yourself upon having escaped it.” “Then I won’t say another word.” “Come for a walk instead,” he said. “You have spoiled me so, Gwen, that I can’t enjoy my cigar unless you are hanging about me.” “Oh! Lawrence, I am sure I never hang about you.” “What do you do, then?” “I walk by your side.” “Like a discreet British maiden. Do you know you have got your part very perfect, considering the short time you have had to learn it?” “I don’t call six months a short time.” “It has seemed so to me--perhaps, because I have been so happy. I am afraid you have been dreadfully bored, Gwen, as it has passed so slowly.” “Don’t be ridiculous, Lawrence!” “But, my dear love, you forced me reluctantly to draw that inference.” Lady Gwendolyn pouted, and Colonel Dacre, being still his wife’s lover, as men of his constant nature continue to be all their lives, stooped his tall head and kissed the sweet, red mouth. “Now, put on your hat,” he said, “and we will go for a little stroll. I am quite beginning to like this free-and-easy sort of life, Gwen. Are not you?” “I don’t seem to mind much where we are so that we are together. I have given up the world and its vanities----” “All for love?” “All for love,” she repeated. “I couldn’t have a better reason, surely.” “I am quite satisfied with it, if that is what you mean. But be quick and dress, or the beauty of the day will be over; and, mind you, wrap up well.” She came back presently in velvet and furs, with a pretty, frosty bloom on her round cheeks; and as Colonel Dacre offered her his arm, he said proudly to himself that there wasn’t a woman in France who could come up to his darling. And his darling was quite aware that she was looking her best, and thoroughly enjoyed the respectful admiration she excited, not for its own sake, but because she liked Lawrence to feel that she was appreciated. They walked up the center avenue of the Tuileries, and then made their way down the Rue Royale to the boulevards, which looked very gay this bright morning.