She saw that one hand was bandaged, and a passionate feeling that was almost rapture thrilled through and through her at the sight.

Then he shot beyond her vision, and she heard the punt bump against the house-boat.
"It's a gentleman to see you, miss," said the Badger, thrusting a grey and grinning visage up the stairs.
"Ask him to come up!" said Hilary, steadying her voice with an effort.
A moment later she rose to receive the man she loved.

And her heart suddenly ceased to beat.
"You!" she gasped, in a choked whisper.
He came straight forward.

The last light of the day shone on his smooth brown face, with its steady eyes and strong mouth.
"Yes," he said, and still through his quiet tones she seemed to hear a faint echo of the subdued twang which dwellers in the Far West sometimes acquire.

"I, John Merrivale, late of California, beg to render to you, Hilary St.Orme, in addition to my respectful homage, that freedom for which you have not deigned to ask." She stared at him dumbly, one hand pressed against her breast.