“The peaks of Paradise,” breathed Dinah softly.

Isabel was silent for a space, her eyes fixed and yearning.  Then at length in a low voice that thrilled with an emotion beyond words she spoke.

“I know now where to look.  That is where he is waiting for me.  That is where I shall find him.”

And then swiftly she turned, aware of her brother close behind her.

He looked at her with eyes of deep compassion.  “Some day, Isabel!” he said gently.

She made a swift gesture as of one who brushes aside every hindrance.  “Soon!” she said.  “Very soon!”

Scott’s eyes met Dinah’s for a single instant, and she thought they held suffering as well as weariness.  But they fell immediately.  He stood back in silence for them to pass.

CHAPTER XVI

THE SECOND DRAUGHT

They returned to the hotel by a circuitous route that brought them by a mountain-road into the village just below the hotel.  The moon was rising as they ascended the final slope.  The chill of mist was in the air.

Sir Eustace was waiting for them in the porch.  He helped his sister to alight, but she went by him at once with a rapt look as though she had not seen him.  She had sat in almost unbroken silence throughout the homeward drive.

Dinah would have followed her in, but Sir Eustace held her back a moment.  “There is to be a dance to-night,” he murmured in her ear.  “May I count on you?”

She looked at him, the ecstasy of the mountains still shining in her starry eyes.  “Yes—­yes!  If I am allowed!” And then, with a sudden memory of her promise to the Colonel, “But I don’t suppose I shall be.  And I haven’t anything to wear except my fancy dress.”

“What of that?” he said lightly.  “Call the fairies in to help!”

She laughed, and ran in.

Not for a moment did she suppose that she would be allowed to dance that night; but it seemed that luck was with her, for the first person she met was the Colonel, and he was looking so particularly well pleased with himself and affairs in general that she stopped to tell him of her drive.

“It’s been so perfect,” she said.  “I have enjoyed it!  Thank you ever so many times for letting me go!”

Her flushed and happy face was very fair to see, and the Colonel smiled upon her with fatherly kindness.  He could not help liking the child.  She was such a taking imp!

“Glad you’ve had a good time,” he said.  “I hope you thanked your friends for taking you.”

“I should think I did!” laughed Dinah; and then seeing that his expression was so benignant she slipped an ingratiating hand through his arm.  “Colonel, please—­please—­may I dance to-night?”

“What?” He looked at her searchingly, with a somewhat laboured attempt to be severe.  “Now—­now—­who do you want to dance with?”

“Anyone or no one,” said Dinah boldly.  “I feel happy enough to dance by myself.”