Still that was their thought.
Mastering the situation I reflected a little while and then spoke straight out to them.
"My friends," I said, "as I see that you have guessed, Yva and I are affianced to each other and love each other perfectly." "Yes, Arbuthnot," said Bastin, "we saw that in your face, and in hers as she bade us good night before she went into the cave, and we congratulate you and wish you every happiness." "We wish you every happiness, old fellow," chimed in Bickley.

He paused a while, then added, "But to be honest, I am not sure that I congratulate you." "Why not, Bickley ?" "Not for the reason that you may suspect, Arbuthnot, I mean not because you have won where we have lost, as it was only to be expected that you would do, but on account of something totally different.

I told you a while ago and repetition is useless and painful.

I need only add therefore that since then my conviction has strengthened and I am sure, sorry as I am to say it, that in this matter you must prepare for disappointment and calamity.

That woman, if woman she really is, will never be the wife of mortal man.