s, learned to do very well without her. But pride
sealed her lips and her letters to him contained no reference to any
such thought. His, to her, since his illness, had become erratic and
brief. He would begin by expressing a great distaste for the pen, allude
to a feeling of incurable lassitude, curse an elusive memory, and, after
giving her news of little consequence to themselves, would conclude in
the manner that had become a formula of late:--"Your affectionate
husband, Ray."

However, Joyce was determined not to borrow trouble. When they came
together again it would surely be all right. Sunstroke was a paralysing
illness and recovery from its effects was slow, she was assured; so, for
a while, she must expect his mind to feel lethargic. With the
restoration of perfect health his old tenderness would return, for true
love could never die!

* * * * *

To Jack, the summer months were paradise, for the beautiful environs of
Wynthrop Manor gave him many opportunities for uninterrupted
companionship with Kitty. They walked, fished, golfed, and played tennis
together. He was in love in the wild tempestuous way of youth, and
ready, if need be, to die for the object of his adoration.

But Kitty was not too easy to win. The more attracted she felt, the more
elusive she became. She would surround herself constantly with girl
friends, that Jack might have no doubts concerning his choice; clever
girls, and pretty girls were invited there for tennis and tea during
Jack's lengthy visit to the Manor, till he was nearly distracted with
impatience. Yet he hesitated to speak from an overwhelming sense of his
utter unworthiness.

Could he dare to ask her to be his wife, and allow her to believe him
all that a young girl's fancy might paint him? Would she consent to
marry him if she were aware of the peculiar situation in which he stood
with regard to Mrs. Fox whose letters still arrived at his chambers, and
to whom he still wrote, only to keep her from following him to England?

She had threatened to do so at all costs, if he neglected to keep in
touch with her, and the fear of bringing about such an undesirable
climax had obliged him to temporise.

* * * * *

Early in August, when the Great War broke out, and all England was in
the turmoil of mobilisation, and the manhood of the nation was flocking
to join the Colours, Jack complied with the demands of his consci