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 We both looked across the starlight scene, and wondered.

It was only half-past eight, so we went back into the farmer's best room, and sat before the logs chatting.

In those strenuous days we were seldom alone together. Yet, full well, I knew how she reciprocated my affection, and how her every thought was for my welfare.

Yes. We loved each other truly, and my life would have been one of the most perfect bliss were it not for that gulf of suspicion that had been opened by her inexplicable disappearance. That hour, however, was not the one in which to recall it, so I crushed down its bitter memory. Roseye was mine—and mine alone.

'You really want to go up with me to-night, darling?' I asked, as I again sat beside her upon the frayed old couch before the big blazing fire. 'You are not afraid?'

'I fear nothing, Claude, when I am with you,' she replied, raising her big blue eyes to mine. And then my lips met hers in a long, rapturous caress.

In the dim light of the cheap paraffin lamp upon the table I saw that her expression was one of complete trust and devoted affection. How could I doubt her further?

And yet the motive of her absolute refusal to tell me the truth concerning where she had been was veiled in mystery. It was an enigma that had puzzled me to distraction.

'Remember, darling,' I said, 'you have never before flown at night. We have no landmarks, and