“Very soon,” Prince Shan promised, as he and Maggie leaned from the window of the car, “I shall send the Black Dragon for you, Lord Dorminster, and for the one other whom I think you may wish to bring.  Asia is not so far off, these days, and Maggie will love to see her friends.”

Almost imperceptibly the giant airship floated away.

“Watch, both of you,” Maggie cried.  “I am sending you down a farewell present.”  She whispered to Prince Shan, who handed her something from his pocket, smiled, and gave an order.  The great ship passed in a semicircle and hovered almost exactly above their heads.  A little shower of small scraps of paper came floating down.  Nigel picked one up, examined it, and understood.  He waved his hat.

“It is Maggie’s farewell gift to England,” he said, “the treaty which Prince Shan never signed.”

They stood side by side, watching.  With incredible speed, the Black Dragon passed into the clouds and out again.  Then, as it roared away eastwards, the sun suddenly disclosed itself.  The airship mounted towards it, shimmering and gleaming in every part.  Naida passed her hand a little shyly through her companion’s arm.

“Isn’t that rather a wonderful way to depart in search of happiness?” she murmured.

He smiled down at her.

“I do not think that we shall find the search very difficult, dear,” he said, “though our feet may remain upon the earth.”

Naida’s lip quivered for a moment.  Then she caught a glimpse of his face and gave a little sigh of content.

“There is heaven everywhere,” she whispered.