happy, you know. You'll like it."

He spoke urgently, leaning towards her. There was nothing terrible
about him at that moment. All the mastery had gone from his
attitude. He was even smiling a little.

Her heart gave a great throb. It was so long, so long, since he
had spoken to her thus. And then, like a blasting wind, the memory
of Guy's bitter words rushed across her. She seemed again to feel
the sand of the desert blowing in her face, sand that was blended
with ashes. Was it only a slave that he wanted after all? She
hated herself for the thought, but she could not drive it out.

"Don't you like that idea?" he said.

Still she hesitated. "What of Guy?" she said. "We must think of
him, Burke. We must."

"I'm thinking of him," he said. "A little responsibility would
probably do him good."

"But to leave him--entirely--" She broke off. Someone was
knocking at the outer door, and she was thankful for the
interruption. Burke turned away, and went to answer. He came back
with a note in his hand.

"It's Merston's house-boy," he said. "I've sent him round to the
kitchen to get a feed. Something's up there, I am afraid. Let's
see what he has to say!"