an't get over your singing like that ... I
felt--carried away. I shall remember it always." He sighed happily.
"I've got so many happy memories to take away."

Valerie sat up straight.

"To take away?" she breathed.

"My dear, I've been here nearly six months already. It's only with an
effort that I can remember that I'm your guest. I don't want to go.
Drifting along like this is simply perfect, but ... there's such a lot
to be done ... heaps."

"There's plenty of time."

"I know, but--well, look at my clothes, for one thing. I'm not fit to
be seen."

The girl breathed again. Then--

"Oh, yes, you are, old chap. Fitter than you think. Besides, you
don't have to stay in London because you're going to a tailor."

"I know," said Anthony slowly. "I know. But it isn't only that. You
see, my lady, when I came here to your house, it was as a footman....
And I think I'd better leave it as--well, no more than a friend.
That's a big enough step, in all conscience. After a little--a very
little--I shall come, again, Valerie...."

His fingers closed about hers.

"You never came here as a footman," said the girl. "You came as my
beloved. You went out of the garden of _The Leather Bottel_ that very
first day--my lord. What does it matter what else you were--are--will
be? Oh, Anthony, you dear, honourable child...."

With his disengaged hand Lyveden covered his eyes.

"I meant to be so strong," he said humbly. "God forgive me, I'm very
weak. You see--I love you so." His head bowed, he took hold of her
other hand. "My lady, my beautiful lady, will you marry this lover of
yours--this irresolute child?"

"Yes," said Valerie, "I will."

Anthony fell upon both knees.

"I worship you," he said simply. "Ever since that first day at the
inn, you've had my heart in your hands. Sleeping, waking, your voice
has rung in my ears; and my eyes have seen you in the background--a
tall dark girl, with the air of a queen ... always ... always....
You've lighted pantries, you've honoured servants' halls, you've turned
a third-class carriage into a bower.... And, when I came to know you,
the face of the earth was changed. I didn't know there was such a
being in all the world. I don't think you ever were born: I think you
stepped out of a fairy tale some midsummer eve." He stopped to lay his
head reverently upon the blue silk knees. "And you--are--to be--my
wife.... In a few short weeks' time you're going to