“Oh, did he?” She looked confused for a moment.  “Jake, you don’t mind, do you?  I did the only thing possible.”

He put his arm around her and led her to the door.  “I’ll tell whether I mind a week from now.  You’re looking worn out, my girl.  You go to bed!”

She leaned against him.  “Jake, I’m—­horribly sorry for Charlie.”

“Wasted sentiment!” said Jake.

“No, it isn’t—­it isn’t—­because he is just beginning—­to be sorry for himself.  Jake, it haunts me.”

“Well, you’re not to lie awake over it,” said Jake unsympathetically.  “I shall know if you do, and I shall keep you in bed tomorrow.  Got that?” He looked at her with determination glittering in his eyes.

“You’re very horrid,” she said.

“Yes, I know.  Somebody’s got to be.  It’s a world of contrasts, and we can’t all be kings and queens.  Go to bed now!  I’ll say good night to Bunny for you.”

But Maud lingered still.  “What is Charlie going to do for him?”

Jake led her with firmness into the hall.  “It’s the Agency.  He’s going to help old Bishop.  I think the life will be good for him—­if there isn’t too much Saltash about it.”

“Oh, how good of Charlie!” Maud said.

“Yes, he means well this time.”  Jake’s arm impelled her up the shallow stairs.  “Hope he’ll keep it up, but it won’t surprise me any if he doesn’t.  He’s never been a stayer, and he’s not the sort to begin now.”

“You really don’t understand him,” Maud said.

“Maybe not,” Jake’s tone was faintly grim.  It indicated that he had no intention of arguing the matter further.

Maud abandoned it and they mounted the stairs together in silence.  At the door of her room she turned without words and put her arms around his neck.

He held her closely still supporting her.  “Shall I come and put you to bed, my girl?”

She answered him softly.  “No, darling, no!  Don’t be late yourself, that’s all!  And—­Jake—­thank you for all your goodness to me!”

“Oh, shucks—­shucks!” he said.

She raised her hands, holding the bronze head between them, gazing straight into the free, dominant eyes with all her soul laid open to their look.  “There is no one like you in all the world,” she said.  “You are greater than kings.”

“That’s just your way of putting it,” said Jake.  “You’re not exactly an impartial judge, I reckon.  Barring the fact that I’m your mate, I’m a very ordinary sinner.  Moreover, Saltash tells me I’m getting fat.”

“How dare he?” said Maud.

He laughed in her indignant face.  “Now I’m getting my own back!  There!  Don’t get excited!  No doubt he meant well!  And I certainly ride heavier than I did.  Shall you love me when I’m fat, Maud?”

She drew the laughing, sunburnt face to hers.  “Don’t be—­absurd!” she said.

Her lips met his and were caught in a long, long kiss.