The wind was rising—­the fog blown back before it showed the golden track of the sea—­light stretching to infinity!

He rose and stood by the rail.  Then suddenly he felt a hand upon his, and looking down, he saw Becky.

“I ran away from Randy,” she said, breathlessly, “just for a moment.  I was afraid you might be alone, and unhappy.”

His hand held hers.  “Just for this moment you are mine?”

“Yes.”

“Then let me tell you this—­that I shall never be alone as long as I may have your friendship—­I shall always be happy because I have—­loved you.”

He kissed her hand.  “Run back to your Randy.  Good-night, my dear, good-night.”

Her lover received her rapturously at the door of the little house.  They went in together.  And Archibald looked out, smiling, over a golden sea.