, and
snakes, and Baby dying of convulsions! So, you see, a change is what I
most need; and I am so homesick for Mother and Kitty! I cry at a word. I
start at every sound, and if Baby should fall ill, it would be the last
straw."

"But what is to happen when you are away, if, while you are here you
feel you are drifting apart?"

"When I am away, he will forget my silly ways and remember only that I
am his wife and how much he loves me. He _does_ love me, nothing can
alter that; but lately I have held aloof from him for reasons I have
explained to you, and he is hurt. You may not understand how desperately
mean I feel, and how unfit to kiss him and receive his kisses after what
has happened. For the life of me I could not keep it up without telling
him all. And how could I, when Captain Dalton is convalescent and my
husband will have to meet him when he is able to get about again?
Already he is talking of going round to chat with him. You see, he does
not know!"

Honor was deeply perplexed. "Of course, you must do as you please, but
in your place, I would tell him everything, and as he knows how dearly
you love him, and only him, he will, I am certain, give up all desire
for revenge. At a push, he might ask for a transfer."

Joyce shuddered. "I'd rather leave things to time. Later on, I can tell
him all about it, and, perhaps, by then, Captain Dalton will have been
transferred. Don't you love me, Honey?"

"Of course I love you."

Joyce flung her arms round Honor's neck and kissed her warmly. "You were
looking so cold and disapproving! Take care of Ray for me, will you? and
write often to me about him. I shall miss him terribly," and she sobbed
unrestrainedly.

When Meredith saw her safely to Bombay, preparatory to her embarkation,
he allowed himself to show something of the grief he felt at having to
give up for an indefinite time what he most valued on earth. In the
seclusion of their room at the hotel, he held her close in his arms and
devoured her flower-like face with eyes of hungry passion.

"So, not content with holding yourself aloof from me, you are leaving me
to shift for myself, the best way I can!" he said grimly.

Joyce's lips quivered piteously and she hid her face in his shirt-front.

"Has it never occurred to you," he said, "that a man parted too long
from his wife, might get used to doing without her altogether?"

Two arms clung closer in protest. "But never you!" she replied with
confidence