Hector all at once seemed to realize his mother’s vision, and to understand for the first time what marriage might mean.  That to possess this exquisite bit of God’s finished work for his very own, to live with her in the country, at old Bracondale, to see her honored and adored, surrounded by little children—­his children—­would be a dream of bliss far, far beyond any dream he had ever known.  A domestic, tender dream of sweetness that he had always laughed at before as a final thing when life’s other joys should be over, and now it seemed suddenly to be the only heaven and completion of his soul’s desire.

Then he remembered Josiah Brown with a hideous pang of pain and bitterness—­and they went in to lunch.

* * * * *

Theodora was so gay!  Captain Fitzgerald and Mrs. McBride were already seated when they joined them in the restaurant.  Most of the other visitors had finished—­it was almost two o’clock.

There was a good deal of black middle in the widow’s eyes, Theodora noticed, and wondered to herself if she had had a happy and exciting hour too.  Papa looked complacent and handsomer than ever, she thought.  She did hope it was going well.  And she wondered how they were to dispose of their afternoon.

The widow soon settled this.  She had, she said, a wild desire to rush through the air for a little—­she must have her chauffeur go at full speed—­somewhere—­anywhere—­her nerves needed calming!  And Captain Fitzgerald had agreed to accompany her.  Their destination was unknown, and they might not be back for tea, so Lord Bracondale must take the greatest care of Theodora and give her some if they did not turn up.  They certainly would for dinner, but eight o’clock would be time enough for that.

When your destination is unknown you can never say how many hours it will take to get there and back, she pointed out.  And no one felt inclined to argue with her about this obvious truth!

Now if Theodora had been a free unmarried girl, or a freer widow, it is highly probable fate would not have arranged this long afternoon in blissful surroundings undisturbed by any one.  As it was, who knows if the goddess settled it with a smile on her lip or a tear in her eye?  It was settled, at all events, and looked as if it were going to contain some moments worth remembering.

IX

“And what is your pleasure, fair queen?” Hector said, as they listened to the diminishing noise of the widow’s Mercedes.  “We are alone, and we have the world before us.  Issue your commands.”

“No,” said Theodora, and she pouted her red lips.  “I want you to settle that.  I want you to arrange for whatever you think would give me the greatest pleasure.  Then I shall know if you understand me and guess what I would like.”

This was the most daring speech she had ever made, and she was surprised at her own temerity.