“Yes. Without exception, they have very charming wives. I thought I’d told you a story of one.” “Oh no, you’ve never told me any stories--neither this time nor last. You only kissed me twice last time too. And once wasn’t a kiss at all, but what I call a mark of condescension.” “And this time I haven’t kissed you at all.” And he turned and looked down at her. “Oh yes,” said Marigold rather shyly, and moving back a step or two, “you’ve kissed me many times.” And her hand went to the covering at her neck, and his eyes went there too. “If you’re a doctor, you should be able to make this all right,” she said. And she removed the pearls, and held her face up, and he saw the red mark at the side of her neck. And then very gently he drew her to him, and stooped and kissed each place, and a deep rosy colour spread over her neck and face, and when it had gone there were no marks left--nothing but fairest beauty. And then impulsively, for his head still bent towards hers, she raised her arms and clasped them round his neck and kissed him. And Marigold was very happy, because she knew she was secure in that strong love and those strong arms. And now there was no misunderstanding to dash the cup of happiness away, and leave nothing but bitter, humiliating dregs, and ugly scars of memory. * * * * * That night she stayed with him for dinner--too happy to eat much, radiantly contented. “I don’t care very much for this house--do you?” she asked at length. “No. It’s a necessity, so I tolerate it.” “I think it would make me unhappy. It is so very gloomy, and the servants are so unapproachable. Alice says they’re as proud as if they were ‘the family.’” He laughed. “Poor Alice! You’ll have to pension her off, Marigold. You’re going where Alice cannot follow.” “When?” “To-night.” “But I have settled nothing. Remember, I have an estate in Fairy Sky--I----” “Oh! that estate is mine. That is why they sent you here. If I had looked better after that bit of property, I should have met you earlier, but I had no notion you were there.” “It used to be very lonely, I can tell you. But it was very lovely. Now this place----” “Is a heathenish barracks. I agree with you. But it’s right enough for business purposes.” “Do you think if I began to re-arrange the furniture I could improve upon it?” He looked at her with a half-indulgent, amused look. “Why, no. But if you only knew the number of ladies who have raved about it, it would surprise you. They have considered it an ideal home for their daughters. But I don’t. Now, I must be going.” “Where?” “To see the great High Priest.” “When he awoke last night, how was he?” “Worse.” “Was he pleased to see you?” “He did not see me. He was as blind as usual.” “Will he get better?” “No. He is dying.” “And what are you going to do with him? He--he is not like Patches.” “No. He will die. It is a merciful dispensation. He has just missed Hell, and fallen far short of Heaven.”