unconscious caress of the eyes in a fleeting glance, the involuntary softening of voices, the cuckoo-sob in the throat — why, the night-parting kiss does not need to be seen. It has to be. Still further, oh my woman, know that I justify you in everything.”

“It� it was not ever� much,” she faltered.

“I should have been surprised if it had been. It couldn’t have been you. As it is, I have been surprised. After our dozen years it was unexpected — ”

“Dick,” she interrupted him, leaning toward him and searching him. She paused to frame her thought, and then went on with directness. “In our dozen years, will you say it has never been any more with you?”

“I have told you that I justify you in everything,”