But in spite of the lateness of the season, Lucy often brought a book to read under the glowing wall, and there ripened like a peach in the warm sunshine.

On this occasion she brought Archie into the old-world garden, as he had hinted at confidences.

And the time had come to speak plainly, as Hope began to think that he had not treated Lucy quite fairly in hiding from her his momentarily embarrassed position.
"Why can't we marry at once ?" asked Lucy, seeing that her lover held his peace and looked confused.
Hope did not reply directly.

"I had better release you from your engagement," he said haltingly.
"Oh!" Lucy's nostrils dilated and she threw back her head scornfully.
"And the other woman's name ?" "There is no other woman.

I love you and you only.