hat I want
to marry you, Henry--just as to-night perhaps that little sail we see
out there will long to get in to a safe port."

He gave her his promise--with passionately loving words, that he would
protect and adore her always, and soothe and cherish her until all
haunting memories were gone.

And for the first time since they had known one another, Sabine let him
fold her in his arms.

But the lips which he pressed so fondly were cold, like death--and
afterwards she went quickly to her room.

The die was irrevocably cast--she could never go back now; she was as
firmly bound to Henry as if she had been already his wife.

For her nature was tender and honest and true--and Lord Fordyce had
touched the highest chord in it, the chord of her soul.

But, as she stood looking from the narrow, deep casement up at the
evening sky, suddenly, with terrible vividness, there came back to her
mental vision the chapel at Arranstoun upon her wedding night, with its
gorgeous splendors and the candles and the lilies and their strong
scent, and it was as if she could feel Michael's kiss when the old
clergyman's words were done.

She started forward with a little moan, and put her hands over her eyes.
Then her will reasserted itself, and her firm lips closed tight.

Nothing should make her waver or alter her mind now--and these
phantasies should be ruthlessly stamped out.

She sat down in an armchair, and forced herself to picture her life with
Henry. It would be full of such great and interesting things, and he
would be there to guide and protect her always and keep her from all
regrets.

So presently she grew calm and comforted, and by the time she was
dressed for dinner, she was even bright and gay, and made a most sweet
and gracious mistress of Heronac and of the heart of Henry Fordyce.
Just as they were leaving the dining-room, Nicholas brought her a
message from Pere Anselme, to the effect that a very bad storm was
coming up, and she must be sure to have the great iron shutters inside
the lower dungeon windows securely closed. He had already told Berthe's
son to take in the little boat.

And as they crossed the connecting passage, Madame Imogen gave a scream,
for a vivid flash of lightning came in through the open
windows--followed by a terrific crash of thunder, and when they reached
the sitting-room the storm had indeed come.

It was past midnight when Michael reached Paris, and, going in to the
Ritz, met Miss Dai