In fact his arms were round her, and they were kissing each other in a remarkably whole-hearted way.

About this there could be no mistake, since the rimpi-strung couch on which they sat was immediately under the hanging lamp--a somewhat unfortunate situation for such endearments.

But what did they think of hanging lamps or any other lights, save those of their own eyes, they who were content to kiss and murmur words of passion as though they were as much alone as Adam and Eve in Eden?
What did they think either of the serpent coiled about the bole of this tree of knowledge whereof they had just plucked the ripe and maddening fruit?
By a mutual instinct Marnham and I withdrew ourselves, very gently indeed, purposing to skirt round the house and enter it from behind, or to be seized with a fit of coughing at the gate, or to do something to announce our presence at a convenient distance.

When we had gone a little way we heard a crash in the bushes.
"Another of those cursed baboons robbing the garden," remarked Marnham reflectively.
"I think he is going to rob the house also," I replied, turning to point to something dark that seemed to be leaping up on to the verandah.
Next moment we heard Heda utter a little cry of alarm, and a man say in a low fierce voice-- "So I have caught you at last, have I!" "The doctor has returned from his business rounds sooner than was expected, and I think that we had better join the party," I remarked, and made a bee line for the stoep, Marnham following me.
I think that I arrived just in time to prevent mischief.

There, with a revolver in his hand, stood Rodd, tall and formidable, his dark face looking like that of Satan himself, a very monument of rage and jealousy.