Arthur Delaine, who thought that her remark was one of the foolish exaggerations of nice women, was none the less conscious as she made it, that her appearance was charming--all indeed that a man could desire in a wife.

Her simple dress of white linen, her black hat, her lovely eyes, and little pointed chin, the bunch of white trilliums at her belt, which a child in the emigrant car had gathered and given her the day before--all her personal possessions and accessories seemed to him perfection.

Yes!--but he meant to go slowly, for both their sakes.

It seemed fitting and right, however, at this point that he should express his great pleasure and gratitude in being allowed to join them.

Elizabeth replied simply, without any embarrassment that could be seen.