This particular mansion was on the river, only two hours' drive from her aunt's Charles Street door. Now that she was his wife, surely John would begin to make love to her, real love, kisses, claspings, and what not. For Elsie Goldmore had presumed upon their schoolgirl friendship and been quite explicate in these last days, and in any case Amaryllis was not a miss of the Victorian era. The feminine world has grown too unrefined in the expression of its private affairs and too indiscreet for any maiden to remain in ignorance now. It is true John did kiss her once or twice, but there was no real warmth in the embrace, and when, after an excellent dinner her heart began to beat with wonderment and excitement, she asked herself what it meant. Then, all confused, she murmured something about "Good-night," and retired to the magnificent state suite alone. When she had left him John Ardayre drank down a full glass of Benedictine and followed her up the stairs, but there was no lover's exaltation, but an anguish almost of despair in his eyes. Amaryllis thought of that night--and of other nights since--as she sat there at Armenonville, in the luminous sensuous dusk. So this was being married! Well, it was not much of a joy--and why, why did John sit silent there? Why? Surely this is not how the Russian would have sat--that strange Russian! CHAPTER III It was nearing sunset in the garden below the Trocadero. A tall German officer waited impatiently not far from the bronze of a fierce bull in a secluded corner under the trees; he was plainly an officer although he was clothed in mufti of English make. He was a singularly handsome creature in spite of his too wide hips. A fine, sensual, brutal male. He swore in his own language, and then, through the glorious light, a woman came towards him. She wore an unremarkable overcoat and a thick veil. "Hans!" she exclaimed delightedly, and then went on in fluent German with a strong American accent. He looked round to be sure that they were alone, and then he clasped her in his arms. He held her so tightly that she panted for breath; he kissed her until her lips were bruised, and he murmured guttural words of endearment that sounded like an animal's growl. The woman answered him in like manner. It was as though two brute beasts had met. Then presently they sat upon a seat and talked in low tones. The woman protested and declaimed; the man grumbled and demanded. An envelope passed between them, and more crude caresses, and before they parted the man again held her in close embrace--biting the lobe of her ear until she gave a little scream. "Yes--if there was time--" she gasped huskily. "I should adore you like this--but here--in the gardens--Oh! do mind my hat!" Then he let her go--they had arranged a future meeting. And left alone, he sat down upon the bench again and laughed aloud.