Arms and the Woman

"She may change her mind," I said, putting a hand on his. "Most women

do."

"Most admit of exceptions," he replied, regarding me with earnest eyes

as if to read what was going on behind mine. "There are some women who

never change. Her Highness is one of these. As I remarked before, she

has no love to give me; it is gone, and as it is gone without reward,

she will make no attempt to recall it to give to another. I love her

all the more for that. The game fate plays with our hearts is a cruel

one. For one affinity there are ten unfinished lives. Her Highness

loves a good man."

My hand fell from his, and I went over to the window. This was the

first intimation he had given to me that he knew the secret, the secret

which had made me so sad, the secret which I tried not to believe.

"You are determined to go to India?" I said, without turning my head.

I could find no other words.

"Yes. It will be the best thing in the world."

"You will promise to write?"

"Whenever I strike the post. Marry and be happy; it is the lot of the

few."

That night he started for Bombay, by the way of England, and the next

morning I put out for the feudal inn.