After that there was no more to be said, and he had spent his time
making love to her like any Romeo of twenty, and both were content.

All through dinner a certain strange excitement dominated Theodora. She
felt there would be more deep emotion yet to come for her before the day
should close.

How were they going back to Paris?

The moon had risen pure and full, she could see it through the windows.
The night was soft and warm, and when the last sips of coffee and
liqueurs were finished it was still only nine o'clock.

On an occasion when no personal excitement was stirring Captain
Fitzgerald he probably would have hesitated about approving of Theodora
spending the entire evening alone with Lord Bracondale. She was married,
it was true--but to Josiah Brown--and Dominic Fitzgerald knew his
world. To-night, however, neither the widow nor he had outside thoughts
beyond themselves. Indeed, Mrs. McBride was so overflowing with joy she
had almost a feeling of satisfaction in the knowledge that the others
would possibly be happy too--when she thought of them at all!

Again she decided the situation for every one, and again fate laughed.

There was no use staying any longer at Versailles, because the park
gates were shut and they could not stroll in the moonlight, but a drive
back and a few turns in the Bois with a little supper at Madrid would be
a fitting ending to the day.