she said gaily. “Sans c�r�monie, n’est-ce pas?”

And we sauntered dawn the road.

“Her box arrived last evening,” said I. “God send that Mr. Hake has chosen to please her.”

“Is he married?”

“No.”

“Lord!” said she gravely. “Then it is well enough that you pray� . Perhaps, however,” and she gave me a mischievous look, “you have entrusted such commissions to Mr. Hake before.”

“I never have!” I said earnestly, then was obliged to join in her delighted laughter.

“I knew you had not, Euan. But had I asked that question of your friend, Mr. Boyd, and had he answered me as you did, I might have thought he lied.”