"Why did you leave?"

The Marquis of Sarle's question took Nolita by surprise. "Her Ladyship... dismissed me," she stammered.

"Why?"

Her heart quaking, she revealed the humiliating charges, certain that telling him would be the end of everything. Yet instead, he asked her forgiveness. And, very gently, his lips sought hers.

Then something warm and wonderful like a wave from the sea rose within her, growing more in-tense and glorious until it touched her lips and carried her soul singing with the music of angels towards the sky.

"I love you, my darling," he said at last, "and as it is impossible for me to contemplate life without you, I can only ask you how soon you will marry me."