Across the park--beyond the trees, close sheltered under the wide protecting roof, lay Kate.

All the weary miles out and back had this picture been fixed in his mind.
She was doubtless asleep as it was now past eleven o'clock: he would know by the lights.

But even the sight of the roof that sheltered her would, in itself, be a comfort.

It had been many long years since he had breathed the same air with her; slept under the same stars; walked where her feet had trodden.

For some seconds he stood undecided.