"You shall sift mine. You shall tell me what to do. For I know nothing!
Not even if I may dare to take this angel at her word!"

"I knew you would not take me!" the girl whispered wildly. "But I shall
go."




XVI


THE NATURE OF AN OATH

"Your tray! It is after ten o'clock. Your 'angel' is a bad nurse." Moya
brought the tray and set it on a little stand beside Paul's chair. He
watched her shy, excited preparations as she moved about, conscious of his
eyes. The saucepan staggered upon the coals and they both sprang to save
the broth, and pouring it she burnt her thumb a little, and he behaved
quite like any ordinary young man. They were ecstatic to find themselves
at ease with each other once more. Moya became disrespectful to her
charge; such sweet daring looked from her eyes into his as made him
riotous with joy.

"Won't you take some with me?" He turned the cup towards her and watched
her as she sipped.

"'It was roast with fire,'" he pronounced softly and dreamily, 'because of
the dreadful pains. It was to be eaten with bitter herbs'"--