“Oh, here!” he said. “Sit down, I want to talk.” He almost thrust her into the chair and settled himself upon the arm. “All of a sudden you have become something that I want—must have. Spiritually I want you near me—you’re—you’re essential. Without you I am incomplete. If I lost you I should lose more than you—far more. D’you understand?” “Yes, I understand.” “Together we could reach any heights, you and I, for you give me the atmosphere I need—the right essence. I used to believe the line, ‘He travels fastest who travels alone,’ but now I scout it—it’s lost its truth for me. I believe you are wrapped up in my happiness and my success; I believe without you they would be in jeopardy—in danger. D’you care for me well enough to take me on those terms?” Very slowly she replied: “I want you to have your happiness, Wynne, and your success—I want that to be a true dream.” “Then—?” “I’ll accept your spiritual offer—and give you all in return. But won’t you say just one thing more?” “What have I left unsaid?” “Did you say you loved me?” “No,” he replied; “but, in God’s name, I believe I do.” “My dear,” she said, with a mother’s voice. He broke away from her and started to pace the room feverishly. “Come back,” she pleaded. “I am so proud of that belief.” He threw up his head. “I was honest enough to offer all I possessed,” he cried. “A man would have taken you in his arms. God! I’m only half a man—a starveling—! You are beautiful—beautiful to me—beautiful—subtle—desirable—but I haven’t a shred of passion in my half-starved body.” “Yours is the better half, dear. The spirit counts, and the greatest possession a woman can have is all that her man can give. Let us keep our spirits bright together.” She rose, and he came toward her, and suddenly his face lost its tragic look, and the lines at the corners of his mouth pulled down in a whimsical smile. “What a triumph for Plato!” he said. “When shall it be?” She smiled back at him. “Whenever you wish.” Very delicious she looked in the dancing fairy light. A strangely new and elemental impulse seized him, and he gripped her shoulders fiercely. “You are wonderful,” he said. “We’ll work together for the Day. The Day shall be our _real_ wedding; till then—partners.” “Partners.” “You shall help to make a success, and—a man; and when I’m a man I shall seek a man’s reward. We’ll pledge that! Come, let’s feast before the candles burn low.” The tiny bottle of champagne popped bravely, and the wine tinkled against the glass. PART SIX “HE TRAVELS FASTEST— I They were on their way to the registrar’s when Wynne stopped short and exclaimed, “Of course!” Then, in answer to an arched-brow inquiry from Eve: “Would you like to meet some one nice?”