But she reassured herself with the thought that he had held her against his heart, and he had not sought to take her. That forbearance of his gave him a greatness in her eyes to which no other man had ever attained. And gradually a sense of security to which she was little accustomed came about her heart and comforted her. She had warned him. Surely he understood! CHAPTER III A DRAWN BATTLE Almost in silence they passed up through the dripping garden to the house side by side, Columbus trotting demurely behind. Juliet was still limping, but she would not accept support. "I suppose you are going to beard the lion in his den," she said as they drew near. "I suppose I am," said Green. "If you hear sounds of a serious fracas, perhaps you will come to the rescue." "Not to yours," she said lightly. "You are more than capable of holding your own--anywhere." He flashed her his sudden look. "Do you really think so? I assure you I am considered very small fry, indeed, in this household." "That's very good for you," said Juliet. They mounted to the terrace that bounded the south front of the house, and entered by a glass door that led into a conservatory. Here for a moment Juliet paused. Her grey eyes under their level brows met his with a friendly smile. "I think I must leave you now, Mr. Green," she said, "and go and find Mrs. Fielding. I expect the squire is in his study." His answering smile was as ready as her own, but there was a secret triumph about it that hers lacked. "Pray don't trouble any further on my account!" he said courteously. "I can find my own way." She threw him a nod, cool and kindly, over her shoulder, and took him at his word. He watched her disappear into the room beyond, Columbus in close attendance; then for a few seconds his hands went up to his face, and he stood motionless, pressing his temples hard, feeling the blood surging at fever heat through his veins. How marvellous she was--and withal how gracious! How had he dared? Midsummer madness indeed! And yet she had suffered him--had even stooped to plead with him! A great shaft of red sunlight burst suddenly through the heaped storm-clouds in the west. He turned and faced it, dazzled but strangely exultant. He felt as if his whole being had been plunged into the glowing flame. The wonder of it pulsed through and through him. As it were involuntarily, a prayer sprang to his lips. "O God," he said, "make me worthy!" Then he turned, as if the glory had become too much for him, and went into the house.