, Robert had addressed his _fiancee_ as
"Rose" when Vanna, looking up quickly, surprised a swift glance of
reproach on Jean's face.

"You have forgotten," said that look. "We are not alone. That name is
not for the ears of a stranger. It is for use only between you and me,
when we are alone in our own kingdom, with the world shut out."

The lonely ones of the world smart under many darts planted by these
wordless arrows.

And Piers Rendall? Vanna was perplexed and mystified by his reception
of the news. She had dreaded to see him amazed, broken down,
despairing, and when he arrived at the Cottage the day after the great
event, had felt her heart throb with a sympathy that was painful in its
intensity. They were seated in the hall drinking tea, a happy family
group, the lovers side by side on an old oak settle, when the gate
clicked, and Piers's tall figure was seen walking up the path. He
looked anxiously towards the open door, and Vanna felt convinced that he
had noticed the absence of the couple the afternoon before, and had a
premonition of the news which lay in store. She lowered her eyes, and
braced herself, as if it had been upon her own shoulders that the blow
were about to fall.

"Oh, it's Piers! I must tell Piers!" cried Jean gaily. Now that the
deed was done, her former reserve had given way to an abandon of
light-hearted joy. She told the great news to every one she met; it was
her great joy to tell it, her regret that there were so few to listen.

Now, at sight of her old friend, she sprang from her seat.

"Robert, come," she cried, stretching out a beckoning hand, and standing
proudly linked together, the lovers met the unconscious Piers on the
threshold.

"Piers! Piers! I'm so glad you came. I did so want to see you. Guess
what has happened! Guess--quick! We are so happy--so ridiculously
happy. Guess!"

Piers stood still, looking from one to the other with a swift,
questioning glance. Despite herself, despite her dread, Vanna felt it
impossible to restrain from one look at his face. She turned shrinking
eyes upon him, but what she saw was strangely, wonderfully different
from what she had expected.

Piers stood looking from one to the other of the triumphant lovers, and
for the first time since she had known him, Vanna saw his face illumined
with happiness and content. It seemed incredible, but it was true. The
dark eyes had lost their hard, irritable brilliance, and shone