He kissed her hand again, then, aware that the place was too public for him to take her in his arms, suppressed his feelings. Side by side they sat in a stiff kind of way, while each longed for demonstrations which the situation forbade. It was decidedly uncomfortable to be thus conventional. But it was just as well that they thus came to an understanding in the eye of the sun, as the self-control was quite an education. "One would think we were a couple of old married people, sitting side by side in this stiff manner," said Montrose with a vexed laugh. "I should like to be a Sabine and carry you away by force." "Perhaps you will have to do so," said Alice, thinking of Don Pablo. "My father will never consent to my becoming your wife." Montrose looked amazed and anxious. "Why not? There is nothing against my character and position," he said rapidly, "and as I have inherited Lady Staunton's money, your father will be glad that I should bring it into the Enistor family again by making you my wife." "I don't think my father cares anything about the money," said Alice, ignorant of her parent's true feelings. "He wants me to marry Don Pablo." "A Spaniard. Who is he?" "A Spaniard, as you have said. He is my father's greatest friend." "Young and handsome and wealthy?" "Wealthy, certainly. But very ugly, just like a mummy, and as old as the hills--older, I believe. He must be eighty." "Then why does your father wish you to marry him?" "Because Don Pablo is rich." "Well, I am rich also. Five thousand a year is riches." "Don Pablo has more, I fancy." "I don't care what he has. He hasn't got you for a wife and he never will have. You will marry me and no one else." "Yes, I promise you that, Douglas. But there will be trouble." "Pooh!" Montrose laughed joyously. "I'd face a universe of trouble if you were the prize to be obtained by enduring it. Besides, Eberstein says that we belong to one another." "How does he know?" "He knows many things that are strange and true. When he comes back he will explain. He promised to do so. Meantime, all we have to do is to be true to one another. We are engaged. Say we are engaged, Alice." "Yes. We are engaged. I shall marry no one but you." "Hurrah! Then we shall be happy for ever and ever----" "Amen," said the girl thankfully. "All the same, I fear Don Pablo." Montrose tucked her arm within his own. "We are together," he said. "Unity is strength. You understand, dear!" And Alice did understand, smiling happily. "It is the birthday of the soul," she said; "of your soul and mine, which are one." CHAPTER IX THE WARNING