out you," she said, and again he stopped her mouth
with kisses.

"I have always loved you, Eve. When you were a girl you were different
from anybody else, the only girl for me. You have not answered my
question?" he said.

"I will be your wife, Alan; it has been the dearest wish of my life. I
am almost afraid to say how much I love you," she said softly.

"Never be afraid of that; tell me, I want to carry it away with me."

She told him, and his body flamed in response, his heart beat fast. It
was the most thrilling moment of his life; she buried her blushing face
on his shoulder and panted for very joy.

Alan recognized the depth of her love and wondered at it. She was his,
part of him. He felt it, henceforth they would be one. When he was
away she would be with him in the spirit. He was loath to part from
her, but it had to be. Duty called and that came first. He waited a
few minutes until they were calmer.

"Marry me before I leave," he said impetuously.

"There is no time," was the faint reply. "You go to-morrow."

"I forgot; no, there is no time. It is not fair to ask you. Promise
me if I come home for a day or two you will consent?"

"Readily, Alan. I am yours when you wish to take me," she answered.

"Supposing we do not leave to-morrow, supposing it is a few more days,
that there is time?" he said, his eyes very bright and eager.

"If there is time----" she hesitated.

"You will?"

"Yes."

This was too much for him; he was overwhelmed at his happiness. He
clasped her in his arms again and crushed her until it pained, but it
was exquisite pain, she felt safe with those strong arms about her.

"I feel as though I never want to let you go again," he said.

She laughed happily.

"If there is time, Alan, we can be quietly married," she said.

"I shall try and make time. I must run no risks."

"Risks of what?"

"Losing you."

"That can never be now. You will not lose me. I may lose you," and
she shivered.

"I'm not going to be killed, wounded perhaps. What if I come home
minus an arm, or a leg, or with a mutilated face? You might wish to
cry off our compact. I can't risk that, Eve; I want to make sure of
you," he said earnestly.

"And do you for a moment suppose that would make any difference?" she
asked.

"No, I don't, although I said as much. I have great faith in you."

They talked over the future for a long time. When he rose to go, he
said:

"Remember, if