is sense of the honour done to him. What else
could a self-respecting potentate do? The incident was closed.

Flight Commander Raffleton seems to have done nothing in the direction
of re-opening it. On the contrary, he appears to have used this
precise moment for explaining to the Professor how absolutely necessary
it was that he should depart for Farnborough without another moment's
loss of time. Commander Raffleton added that he would "look them both
up again" the first afternoon he could get away; and was sure that if
the Professor would get Malvina to speak slowly, he would soon find her
French easy to understand.

It did occur to the Professor to ask Commander Raffleton where he had
found Malvina--that is, if he remembered. Also what he was going to do
about her--that is, if he happened to know. Commander Raffleton,
regretting his great need of haste, explained that he had found Malvina
asleep beside a menhir not far from Huelgoat, in Brittany, and was
afraid that he had woke her up. For further particulars, would the
Professor kindly apply to Malvina? For himself, he would never, he
felt sure, be able to thank the professor sufficiently.

In conclusion, and without giving further opportunity for discussion,
the Commander seems to have shaken his Cousin Christopher by the hand
with much enthusiasm; and then to have turned to Malvina. She did not
move, but her eyes were fixed on him. And he came to her slowly. And
without a word he kissed her full upon the lips.

"That is twice you have kissed me," said Malvina--and a curious little
smile played round her mouth. "The third time I shall become a woman."

IV. HOW IT WAS KEPT FROM MRS. ARLINGTON.

What surprised the Professor himself, when he came to think of it, was
that, left alone with Malvina, and in spite of all the circumstances,
he felt neither embarrassment nor perplexity. It was as if, so far as
they two were concerned, the whole thing was quite simple--almost
humorous. It would be the other people who would have to worry.

The little serving maid was hovering about the garden. She was
evidently curious and trying to get a peep. Mrs. Muldoon's voice could
be heard calling to her from the kitchen. There was this question of
clothes.

"You haven't brought anything with you?" asked the Professor. "I mean,
in the way of a frock of any sort."

Malvina, with a smile, gave a little gesture. It implied that all
there was of her and he