this news to Delorme," said he suddenly. "He'll be
delighted." Lucillemade no reply.

As they neared the end of the drive and came within sight of the
house, the girl whispered:--

"My own pal, Dammy, for always. And you thought I could be engaged to
anyone but _you_. There _is_ no one but you in the world, dear. It
would be quite empty if you left it. Don't worry about ways and means
and things, Dam, I shall enjoy waiting for _you_--twenty years."

He thought of that, later.

On the morrow of that incredible day, Damocles de Warrenne sprang from
his bed at sunrise and sought the dew-washed garden below the big
south terrace.

The world contained no happier man. Sunrise in a glorious English
summer and a grand old English garden, on the day after the Day of
Days. He trod on air as he lived over again every second of that
wonderful over-night scene, and scarcely realized the impossible
truth.

Lucille loved him, as a lover! Lucille the _alter ego_, the
understanding, splendid friend; companion in play and work, in idle
gaiety and serious consideration; the _bon camarade_, the real chum
and pal.

Life was a Song, the world a Paradise, the future a long-drawn Glory.

He would like to go and hold the Sword in his hand for a minute,
and--something seemed to stir beneath his foot, and a shudder ran
through his powerful frame.

The brightness of the morning was dimmed, and then Lucille came
towards him blushing, radiant, changed, and all was well with the
world, and God in high heaven.

* * * * *

After breakfast they again walked in the garden, the truly enchanted
garden, and talked soberly with but few endearments though with
over-full hearts, and with constant pauses to eye the face of the
other with wondering rapture. They came of a class and a race not
given to excessive demonstrativeness, but each knew that the other
loved--for life.

In the afternoon, guests began to arrive soon after lunch, duties
usurped the place of pleasures, and the lovers met as mere friends in
the crowd. There was meaning in the passing glances, however, and an
occasional hand-touch in the giving of tennis-ball, or tea-cup.

"Half the County" was present, and while the younger fry played
tennis, croquet, clock-golf, and bowls, indulged in "mixed cricket,"
or attempted victory at archery or miniature-rifle shooting, the
sedate elders strolled o'er velvet lawns beneath immemorial elms, sat
in groups