She lay down, facing me.

“In my heart I know, beloved above all men! But I am like a child with you — desiring to please, ardent, confused, unaccustomed. And everything you say delights me — and all you do — or refrain from doing — thrills me with content� . It was so true and sweet of you to leave my lips untouched. I adore you for it — but then I had adored you if you had kissed me, also. Always, your decision pleasures me.”

After a long while I spoke cautiously. She lay asleep, her lips scarce parted; but in her sleep she seemed to hear my voice, for one arm stole out in the dark and closed around my neck.

And so we lay until the dark forms gliding from the forest summoned me to mount my guard, and Lois awoke with a little sigh, sat upright, then sprang to her feet to face the coming dawn alone with me.