I wish you both good morning. Any invitation which Margaret
extends, Ledsam, please consider as confirmed by me."
He closed the door softly. They heard his footsteps descending
the stairs. Francis leaned once more over Margaret. She seemed
still dazed, confused with new thoughts. She responded, however,
readily to his touch, yielded to his caress with an almost
pathetic eagerness.
"Francis," she murmured, as his arms closed around her, "I want
to forget."
CHAPTER XXIII
There followed a brief period of time, the most wonderful of his
life, the happiest of hers. They took advantage of Sir Timothy's
absolute license, and spent long days at The Sanctuary, ideal
lovers' days, with their punt moored at night amongst the lilies,
where her kisses seemed to come to him with an aroma and wonder
born of the spot. Then there came a morning when he found a
cloud on her face. She was looking at the great wall, and away
at the minaret beyond. They had heard from the butler that Sir
Timothy had spent the night at the villa, and that preparations
were on hand for another of his wonderful parties. Francis, who
was swift to read her thoughts, led her away into the rose garden
where once she had failed him.
"You have been looking over the wall, Margaret," he said
reproachfully.
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