"Millions," said Kelly. "Millions and millions. Why, if you were to come along here in a few weeks' time ye'd be trampling them underfoot they'd be so thick, such flowers as only grow here, on the top of the world." "The top of the world!" She looked at him as if startled. "Is that what you call--this place?" He laughed. "Ye don't believe me! Well, wait--wait and see!" She turned her horse's head, and began to walk round the _kopje_. Kelly kept pace beside her. He was not quite so talkative as usual, but it was with obvious effort that he restrained himself, for several times words sprang to his eager lips which he swallowed unuttered. He seemed determined that the next choice of a subject should be hers. And after a few moments he was rewarded. Sylvia spoke. "Mr. Kelly!" "Sure, at your service--now and always!" he responded with a warmth that no amount of self-restraint could conceal. She turned towards him. "You have been very kind to me, and I want--I should like--to tell you something. But it's something very, very private. Will you--will you promise me----" "Sure and I will!" vowed the Irishman instantly. "I'll swear the solemn oath if it'll make ye any happier." "No, you needn't do that." She held out her hand to him with a gesture that was girlishly impulsive. "I know I can trust you. And I feel you will understand. It's about--Guy." "Ah, there now! Didn't I know it?" said Kelly. He held her hand tight for a moment, looking into her eyes, his own brimful of sympathy. "Yes. You know--all about him." She spoke with some hesitation notwithstanding. "You know---just as I do--that he isn't--isn't really bad; only--only so hopelessly weak." There was a little quiver in her voice as she said the words. She looked at him with appeal in her eyes. "I know," said Kelly. With a slight effort she went on. "He--Burke--thinks otherwise. And because of that, he won't let me see Guy again. He is very angry with me--I doubt if he will ever really forgive me--for following Guy to this place. But,--Mr. Kelly,--I had a reason--an urgent reason for doing this. I hoped to be back again before he found out; but everything was against me." "Ah! Didn't I know it?" said Kelly. "It's the way of the world in an emergency. Nothing ever goes right of itself." She smiled rather wanly. "Life can be--rather cruel," she said. "Something is working against me. I can feel it. I have forfeited all Burke's respect and his confidence at a stroke. He will never trust me again. And Guy--Guy will simply go under." "No--no!" said Kelly. "Don't you believe it! He'll come round and lead a decent life after this; you'll see. There's nothing whatever to worry about over Guy. No real vice in him!" It was a kindly lie, stoutly spoken; but it failed to convince. Sylvia shook her head even while, he was speaking.