For a moment the grim inappropriateness of these hours struck him with a pang of remorse.

He felt almost like a traitor to be walking with this slim, beautiful girl whose face was hidden from him now in the mass of white blossoms.

And then his sense of proportion came to the rescue.

He knew that he had but one desire--to work out his ends by the most effective means.

It did not even disturb him to reflect that for the first time for many years he had found pleasure in what was merely an interlude.
"We turn here," she directed.