He loved her so madly. What did it matter how she had sinned? She was ill and lonely, and must stay in his arms--just for to-day. But he could never really take her to his heart--the past was too terrible for that. And, besides, she did not love him; this gentleness was only because she was weak and crushed, for the time. But how terribly, bitterly sweet it was, all the same! He had the most overpowering temptation to kiss her, but he resisted it; and presently, when they came to a level crossing and a train gave a wild whistle, she woke with a start. It was quite dark now, and she said, in a frightened voice, "Where am I? Where have I been?" Tristram slipped his arm from round her instantly, and turned on the light. "You are in the motor, going to Wrayth," he said. "And I am glad to say you have been asleep. It will do you good." She rubbed her eyes. "Ah! I was dreaming. And Mirko was there, too, with _Maman_, and we were so happy!" she said, as if to herself. Tristram winced. "Are we near home--I mean, Wrayth?" she asked. "Not quite yet," he answered. "There will be another hour and a half." "Need we have the light on?" she questioned. "It hurts my eyes." He put it out, and there they sat in the growing darkness, and did not speak any more for some time; and, bending over her, he saw that she had dozed off again. How very weak she must have been! He longed to take her into his arms once more, but did not like to disturb her--she seemed to have fallen into a comfortable position among the pillows--so he watched over her tenderly, and presently they came to the lodge gates of Wrayth, and the stoppage caused her to wake and sit up. "It seems I had not slept for so long," she said, "and now I feel better. It is good of you to let me come with you. We are in the park, are we not?" "Yes, we shall be at the door in a minute." And then she cried suddenly, "Oh! look at the deer!" For a bold and valiant buck, startled and indignant at the motor lights, was seen, for an instant, glaring at them as they flashed past. "You must go to bed as soon as you have had some tea," Tristram said, "after this long drive. It is half-past six. I telegraphed to have a room prepared for you. Not that big state apartment you had before, but one in the other part of the house, where we live when we are alone; and I thought you would like your maid next you, as you have been ill." "Thank you," she whispered quite low. How kind and thoughtful he was being to her! She was glad she had been ill! Then they arrived at the door, and this time they turned to the left before they got to the Adam's hall, and went down a corridor to the old paneled rooms, and into his own sitting-room where it was all warm and cozy, and the tea-things were laid out. She already looked better for her sleep; some of the bluish transparency seemed to have left her face.