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 “I meant to speak about that. You disobeyed me. I told you on the boat”

“Tut, tut! Maidenly reserve, and all that sort of thing. I’m mighty glad I didn’t pay any attention to it. Because, however it ends, this evening has taught me one wonderful thing. You love me.”

“I haven’t said so.”

“You don’t need to. Your actions have proved it.”

“Don’t be too sure. Maybe I pitied you. Have you thought of that? And pity—pity isn’t love.”

I have said that Mary Will could be annoying at times. Loving her, I perceived, would never grow monotonous.

“If I hear any more about pity,” I said fiercely, “I’ll kiss you.”

“Then you won’t hear any more about it,” she answered quickly; and added, very softly, “Not just now.”

At that instant we heard Mark Drew and the detective coming down the stairs. Rh