were at peace with each other. He kissed her, softly, many, many times. A laugh came into her eyes.

‘Did I abuse you?’ she asked.

He smiled too, and took her hand, that was so soft and given.

‘Never mind,’ she said, ‘it is all for the good.’ He kissed her again, softly, many times.

‘Isn’t it?’ she said.

‘Certainly,’ he replied. ‘Wait! I shall have my own back.’

She laughed suddenly, with a wild catch in her voice, and flung her arms around him.

‘You are mine, my love, aren’t you?’ she cried straining him close.