within an ace of being true news," he said at last. "I
have a great deal to tell you, dearest, but at present we will only
think of ourselves. My luck has turned as you always predicted it
would. We need never be parted again."

"Life of mine, and until yesterday I thought we were for ever," she
exclaimed passionately. "Oh but no--it seems impossible. You--to whom
I have always looked up, as to something more than human--human yet
superhuman--whose every word even on the lightest matter, was higher
than a law--you, to be with me always guiding my life, making it every
moment too good to live! No, it can't be. Such happiness can never
fall to one poor mortal!"

"Lalante, child--hush--hush!" he said a little unsteadily, his clasp of
her tightening. "You must not start by making a god of me, or what will
happen when the disillusionment comes?"

"Disillusionment? Oh!"

"Yes. You may laugh now, but--never mind. Well then, what about
yourself? Who was it who threw away--what I see"--holding her from him,
to gaze at her with intense admiration and love--"upon a battered old
addlepate--"

"Battered old addlepate? That's good," she interrupted.

"Yes. A battered old addlepate--for if I've captured some luck at last
it is sheer luck--who seemed congenitally incapable of ever turning
anything to account and who was going from bad to worse as fast as any
such fool could! Who was it that lightened and cheered as dark a time
as could fall to the lot of most men, and, above all, clung to him when
all seemed hopeless; and who was prepared to sacrifice the best years of
her bright youth--Good God, I think it is I who have to say that such
happiness seems impossible."

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Le Sage's welcome of Wyvern was quiet but cordial, while that accorded
him by the two youngsters was boisterous in its delight.

"Man--Mr Wyvern, but you'll have some stunning new yarns to tell us,"
said Charlie.

"A few, Charlie. And the rum part of it is they'll be true."

"I'd jolly well punch any fellow's head who said they weren't," rejoined
Frank. "That is, if I could," he added.

At the close of what was certainly the very happiest day in the lives of
at any rate two of that quintett, Le Sage said:

"Would you mind coming into my den, Wyvern? I want your advice on a
little matter of business. You're not in a hurry to turn in are you?
It may take some time."