I--I'd rather you hated me than that! Miles rather!" His arms went round her.

He uttered a queer, passionate laugh and drew her to his heart.

"And what if I offer you--love ?" he said.

"Have you no use for that either, my wife--my wife ?" She turned and clung to him, clung fast and desperately, as a drowning person clings to a spar.

"But I'm not, Billikins! I'm not!" she whispered, with her face hidden.
"You shall be," he made steadfast answer.