of June, had thought he could reach the stars.

Half-way across the dawn came flaming up over the Needles, and later
there stole from east to west a long, low line of mist-enshrouded
land. One by one headland and cliff, flashing with gold, rose out
of the sea, and the white-winged gulls flew out to meet them.
Almost he expected them to turn into spirits, circling round Malvina
with cries of welcome.

Nearer and nearer they drew, while gradually the mist rose upward as
the moonlight grew fainter. And all at once the sweep of the Chesil
Bank stood out before them, with Weymouth sheltering behind it.


It may have been the bathing-machines, or the gasometer beyond the
railway station, or the flag above the Royal Hotel. The curtains of
the night fell suddenly away from him. The workaday world came
knocking at the door.

He looked at his watch. It was a little after four. He had wired
them at the camp to expect him in the morning. They would be
looking out for him. By continuing his course he and Malvina could
be there about breakfast-time. He could introduce her to the
colonel: "Allow me, Colonel Goodyer, the fairy Malvina." It was
either that or dropping Malvina somewhere between Weymouth and
Farnborough. He decided, without much consideration, that this
latter course would be preferable. But where? What was he to do
with her? There was Aunt Emily. Hadn't she said something about
wanting a French governess for Georgina? True, Malvina's French was
a trifle old-fashioned in form, but her accent was charming. And as