They walked away together, moving quickly along the beech-woods; she with that youthful, buoyant step as lithe as a young boy's; he beside her with grave, preoccupied face and ears alert for the slightest sound. "Kervyn?" "Yes." "Will you come back to Quellenheim, too?" "I can't do that, dearest." "May I ask you what you are going to do?" "Dear, I don't know yet. I haven't formed any plan at all." "Is it not very dangerous for you to remain here?" "No, I think not.... That is--I shall see how this matter threatens to develop." He felt her hand lightly on his arm, looked around, halted. She came to him, laid her cheek against his breast in silence. "You must not be afraid for me, Karen." "I shall try--to remember." He lifted one of her hands. It was cold and delicately fragrant. He kissed it. "The Bank at Diekirch is my address. I shall try to write you. I shall come back some day and marry you. Do you love me, Karen?" "With all--all my--soul." "And you will marry me?" "Yes, Kervyn." She looked up, her eyes brilliant as wet stars. And very gently, almost timidly, they exchanged their betrothal, lip to lip. He drew her to him a little closer--held her so a moment, scarcely in contact. Then they turned again to the grassy ride and moved swiftly forward toward the drive. Every light in the house had been lit, apparently. The automobile stood before the door; three forest waggons with their big fine horses were in line behind; and servants were loading them with American trunks, suitcases, and luggage of every description, under the active direction of Darrel. When he saw Guild and Karen coming he called out: "Your luggage is packed! Mrs. Courland and Valentine and their two maids are filling hampers with bed linen and knick-knacks. You've heard what's happened, of course?" "Yes," said Guild. "I don't think you had better waste any more time packing. Let the ladies get into the car and start. Michaud and I can gather up what's left of their effects and send it after them in the last waggon! Where is Michaud?" "Talking to Mrs. Courland inside. Here he comes, now!----" The white-haired forester came out behind Mrs. Courland, caught sight of Guild, and made a slight gesture expressing infinite despair. "I know," said Guild. "I'll talk it over with you after the household leaves." And to Mrs. Courland, who appeared calm but a trifle dazed: "Miss Girard offers you Quellenheim for the night, and for longer if you desire." "Please," said Karen, coming forward--"it would be very gracious of you to come. Will you, Mrs. Courland?" "Thank you, dear--yes--it will be the greatest convenience. I don't know when we should arrive at Luxembourg if we started now." She took one of Karen's hands and turned to Guild: "What a terrible thing our people have done! Michaud came to tell us; Harry started everybody packing up. You will come with us, of course?"