Athalie

One day toward the end of August, Athalie, standing at the pier's end,

saw the huge incoming liner slowly warping to her berth; waited amid

the throngs in the vast sheds by the gangway, caught a glimpse of

Clive, lost him to view, then saw him again, very near, making his way

toward her. And then her hands were in his and she was looking into

his beloved eyes once more.

There were a few quick words of greeting spoken, tender, low-voiced;

the swift light of happiness made her blue eyes brilliant: "You tall, sun-bronzed, lazy thing," she said; "I never told you what

a distinguished looking man you are, did I? Well I'll spoil you by

telling you now. No wonder everything feminine glances at you," she

added as he lifted his hat to fellow passengers who were passing.

And during the customs' examination she stood beside him, amused,

interested, gently bantering him when he declared everything; for even

in Athalie were apparently the ineradicable seeds of that original

sin--which is in all femininity--the paramount necessity for

smuggling.

Once or twice he spoke aside to the customs' officer; and Athalie

instantly and gaily accused him of attempted bribery.

But when they were on their way to Spring Pond in a hired touring car

with his steamer trunk and suit-cases strapped behind, he drew from

his pockets the articles he had declared and paid for; and Athalie

grew silent in delight as she looked down at the single and lovely

strand of pearls.

All the way to Spring Pond she held them so, and her enchanted eyes

reverted to them whenever she could bring herself to look anywhere

except at him.

"I wondered," she said, "whether you would come to the country or

whether you might think it better to remain in town."

"I shall go back to town only when you go."

"Dear, does that mean that you will stay with me at our own house?"

"If you want me."

"Oh, Clive! I was wondering--only it seemed too heavenly to hope for."

His face grew sombre for a moment. He said: "There is no other future

for us. And even our comradeship will be misunderstood. But--if you

are willing--"

"Is there any question in your mind as to the limit of my

willingness?"

He said: "You know it will mark us for life. And if we remain

guiltless, and our lives blameless, nevertheless this comradeship of

ours will mark us for life."

"Do you mean, brand us?"