"Exactly--if you don't mind," he said smiling.

They turned, shoulder to shoulder, walking back through the drenched
herbage.

"That," she said impulsively, "is not what I said a few moments ago to a
woman."

"What did you say a few moments ago to a woman?"

"I said, Mr. Siward, that I would not leave a--a certain man to go to the
devil alone!"

"Do you know any man who is going to the devil?"

"Do you?" she asked, letting herself go swinging out upon a tide of
intimacy she had never dreamed of risking--nor had she the slightest idea
whither the current would carry her.

They had stopped on the lawn, ankle deep in wet grass, the stars
overhead sparkling magnificently, and in their ears the outcrash of the
sea.

"You mean me," he concluded.

"Do I?"

He looked up into the lovely face; her eyes were very sweet, very
clear--clear with excitement--but very friendly.