And I said nothing, nor did she.  But presently the wild-rose tint crept back into her pale cheeks, and her head dropped, and she sat with eyes remote and vaguely sweet, her hands listless in her lap.

And I, my heart in furious protest, condemned to batter at its walls in a vain summons to the silent lips that should have voiced its every beat, remained mute in futile and impotent adoration of the miracle love had wrought under my very eyes.

Consigned to silence, condemned to patience super-human, I scarce knew how to conduct.  And so cruelly the restraint cut and checked me that what with my perplexity, my happiness, and my wretchedness, I was in a plight.

No doubt the spectacle that my features presented—­ a very playground for my varying emotions—­ was somewhat startling to a maid so new at love.  For, glancing with veiled eyes at me, presently her own eyes flew open wide.  And: 

“Euan!” she faltered.  “Is aught amiss with you?  Are you ill, dear lad?  And have not told me?”

Whereat I was confused and hot and vexed; and I told her very plainly what it was that ailed me.  And now mark!  In place of an understanding and sympathy and a nice appreciation of my honourable discomfort, she laughed; and as her cheeks cooled she laughed the more, tossing back her pretty head while her mirth, now uncontrolled, rippled forth till the wild birds, excited, joined in with restless chirping, and a squirrel sprung his elfin rattle overhead.

“And that,” said I, furious, “is what I get for deferring to your wishes!  I’ve a mind to kiss you now!”

Breathless, her hands pressed to her breast, she looked at me, and made as though to speak, but laughter seized her and she surrendered to it helplessly.

Whereat I sprang to my feet and marched to the parapet, and she after me, laying her hand on my arm.

“Dear lad—­ I do not mean unkindness....  But it is all so new to me—­ and you are so tall a man to pull such funny faces—­ as though love was a stomach pain——­” She swayed, helpless again with laughter, still clinging to my arm.

“If you truly find my features ridiculous——­” I began, but her hand instantly closed my lips.  I kissed it, however, with angry satisfaction, and she took it away hurriedly.

“Are you ashamed—­ you great, sulky and hulking boy—­ to take my harmless pleasantry so uncouthly?  And how is this?” says she, stamping her foot.  “May I not laugh a little at my lover if I choose?  I will have you know, Euan, that I do what pleases me with mine own, and am not to sit in dread of your displeasure if I have a mind to laugh.”

“It hurt me that you should make a mockery——­”

“I made no mockery!  I laughed.  And you shall know that one day, please God, I shall laugh at you, plague you, torment you, and——­” She looked at me smilingly, hesitating; then in a low voice:  “All my caprices you shall endure as in duty bound....  Because your reward shall be—­ the adoration of one who is at heart—­ your slave already....  And your desires will ever be her own—­ are hers already, Euan....  Have I made amends?”