"You certainly did not expect me to receive you here with those people in the house?" she said less coldly. "I could not understand your coming to me that way. It offended me, Alexis." "If you really loved me, you never would have thought of that. You would have forgotten those others as quickly as I did. The moment I left them in their rooms I thought only of you, my Anne, my beautiful one. But even then I waited for what seemed like an eternity." He flung himself upon his knees and buried his face in the coverlet. "Oh, Anne, it never occurred to me that you would feel that way. You had already given yourself to me, dearest, and we had both so looked forward to being together in this house. Our love was so hemmed in, so incomplete in New York. This was to be our refuge, where we could enjoy a security almost as wonderful as if we were married." A smile twisted Anne's lips into a downward curve. "It was very secure, wasn't it?" "Don't be cruel. Last night was only an incident. It won't occur again. Not a soul except Rosenfield knows where I am. He even forwards my mail." "I wonder how Ellen discovered us, then? Is Rosenfield bribeable?" "Of course not! Perhaps Karzimova's press agent gave it away. Any way, let's forget it. I'm sure they would never dare to come out again. You're too valuable a friend for Ellen to risk when her blood is cooled off!" His sudden astuteness amused her. "Perhaps you are right." He pursued his advantage hastily. "We could be so happy, if you would only let us. If you don't love me I simply don't want to go on living. I was literally in hell when you discovered me, I am your creature. Even my music came back only because of you. And now you want to destroy me!" The little, wry smile once more curved her lips. She laid her hand upon the rumpled head lying so close to her breast. "You demand a great deal, my Alexis," she murmured. He raised his head and met her quizzical eyes proudly. "I demand only what I supposed you were willing to give! If you don't want to stay I shall not keep you against your will. I suppose I can go back to the devil again after all. I ought to know the way!" he finished with boyish fury and despair. Anne capitulated, with amusement and despair. Taking his hand in hers, she pressed it softly. Her eyes were maternal. "What a baby you are, Alexis." "You are going to stay!" He sat down upon the bed and fell upon her with ravenous kisses. His arms closed about her. "Yes, I am going to stay," she gasped, breathless from the onslaught. She suddenly felt old and worn. Tired to the core. Would he always wear down her resistance like this? She pushed him away almost feebly. "And now, will you let me get up, please? It is too beautiful a day to remain in bed." "I don't want to go out. I want to stay here," he whispered, his rebellious lips upon her neck.