Petals Drifting

PETALS DRIFTING Anne Hampson

Four young amateur archaeologists -- Jane Bryant and her brother Guy, Jane's fiancé Stuart and his sister Pauline -- were all eager to go to Greece to work with the celebrated Dr. Nikolas Vallas on his exciting excavations at Mycenae. But Nikolas, with memories of the havoc that bachelors could cause among Greek girls, had stipulated "married workers only" for him. Still, that was no great problem. With only two surnames in common, what would be easier than for Jane and Guy, Pauline and Stuart, to pretend to be two married couples? The deception worked, and now here they all were in Greece. But complications set in when first Jane and then Pauline fell in love with the handsome Nikolas -- who, so he imagined, had no right to be thinking of either of them!

CHAPTER ONE AN air of expectancy hung over the lecture room as the thirty or so students awaited the appearance of the guest lecturer. All keen amateur archaeologists, they spent their leisure time either on digs or attending these courses at the university. The courses were arranged in vacation periods, when the regular students were on holiday and Jane and Guy Bryant had been attending them for over five years. This year they were accompanied by Jane's fiance, Stuart, and his sister, Pauline. It was the Easter break, but as usual Dr. Colson had forfeited a week of his holiday in order to run the course. 'You don't seem to appreciate our good fortune.' Guy spoke to his sister in tones of mingled insistence and complaint. 'Dr. Nickolas Vallas is one of the world's most celebrated archaeologists, and the newspapers have been full of this latest find of his.' 'I'm not questioning his fame, or his reputation of having a nose for a find.' Jane turned to her brother, her blue eyes wide and faintly scornful. 'What I do object to is this adulation, which amounts even to awe. He's only a man.' Her fiance laughed and nodded approvingly, but his sister agreed wholeheartedly with Guy. 'We are lucky, and for several reasons. Firstly, Dr. Vallas happened to be on holiday here, and secondly, he's a friend of Dr. Colson. Even so, I think it was clever of Dr. Colson to persuade him to come and lecture to a bunch of amateurs like us.' No one spoke and Pauline added with a grimace, 'Talking of holding him in awe - apparently he's a perfectionist, and is notoriously intolerant of mistakes.' 'He is?' Jane's mouth had a scornful curve.

'Nickolas Vallas might be marvellous at his job, but he definitely isn't nice to know. He gives his assistants hell.' She paused to glance significantly at her companions in turn. 'Do some little thing wrong and you squirm under the lash of his tongue. Many people who've worked for him once wouldn't go near him again.' Guy frowned. 'Where the devil have you been learning all this? You've never said anything about it till now.' 'Just before coming in here I was talking to one of the students who happens to know of Dr. Vallas's reputation. He told it all to me just as I've repeated it to you.' The other three exchanged glances. Two years ago Jane and Guy had decided to save hard and have a full year on some exciting dig abroad. Jane's whirlwind courtship and subsequent engagement to another keen amateur had not interfered with their plans, for Stuart had readily agreed to join them. They were all schoolteachers and it would not be difficult to obtain a year's unpaid leave of absence. At the beginning of the present course Dr. Colson had mentioned that his friend would consider taking on one or two students as assistants, and should anyone be interested they must consult Dr. Vallas after the lecture. 'Are you still interested?' asked Stuart, grinning at his fiancee's expression. 'Or are you now scared?' 'Scared?' A pair of delicate brows were raised in a gesture not unknown to any of the other three. 'No man could scare me.' 'Not even your future husband?' laughed Pauline teasingly.

'Not even my future husband,' replied Jane, although a hint of colour rose to give an added enchantment to the smooth pale beauty of her skin. 'I was born under the wrong star to be dominated.' 'Ah, yes ... a fire sign,' said Pauline reflectively. Tour birthday's in November.' 'So much for you, my friend.' Guy made a face at his future brother-in-law. 'Don't ever be so misguided as to exhibit the masterful touch.' Stuart looked at Jane, deep admiration in his grey eyes. He was not the masterful type. A woman to him was an equal, and he would never so much as argue with his fiancee, let alone endeavour to inflict his will upon her. 'I still want to join him,' he said at length. 'As you say, darling, he's only a man, whatever his reputation might be.' 'And so do I want to join him,' said Guy enthusiastically. 'My only worry is that we might not have had sufficient experience for him.' 'We've been on several Roman digs; that should satisfy him. After all, we are offering our services free.' Jane's voice held slight indignation. The man should be grateful, she went on to say, but was immediately taken up by her brother. 'Don't be silly, Jane. Every amateur here would give his eyes for the opportunity of working with the great Nickolas Vallas.'At his words a young man in front turned his head. 'You're thinking of volunteering?' he asked curiously. 'We three are.' Guy made a gesture which excluded Pauline. 'Why, are you going to offer your services?'

'I can't.' A slight pause and then, 'You do know, I suppose, that he never takes single men?' His gaze was still curious. They had sat at the same table one evening in the refectory and he had probably made a guess at their relationships. In fact he was even now looking at Jane's engagement ring. 'I'm single, so I haven't an earthly.' 'Men have to be married?' frowned Jane. 'Why is that?' 'Single men spell danger for the chaste little Grecian girls,' he replied with a laugh. 'What an abominable man!' Jane tossed her fair head in derision. 'Our men are a jolly sight more controlled than his amorous compatriots!' 'He needn't be afraid of me,' declared Guy with some heat. 'I'm not partial to foreign girls anyway!' • 'He'll not accept you,' the young man persisted. 'I've a friend who worked with him once - just for the summer vacation. There was some-trouble because he and several others tried to date the girls of a nearby village. This brought down the wrath of irate fathers on Dr. Vallas's head and he vowed never to take on single men again. Wives must be on the spot,' he ended with a grin. Guy was distinctly crestfallen, and Stuart was not too happy either. 'Perhaps we wouldn't have had a chance anyway. There must be others with far more experience than we have.' 'What about women?' inquired Jane, ignoring her fiance's words. 'They don't have to be married? He's not afraid they'll lead the local lads astray?'

'Women are all right; they can be single, but he doesn't take many because, with insisting on the men being married, he usually has their wives helping him.' The young man turned away again and for a few moments a dejected silence fell on June's little party. 'If only Pauline could come we'd be able to solve the problem,' said Guy at last, and the others glanced interrogatingly at him. 'What do you mean?' asked Pauline. 'Jane and I could pose as man and wife, and you two could do the same. There'd be no trouble with the names; the girls would just have to become "Mrs." - and wear wedding rings, of course.' A profound silence followed. Amazed eyes were directed at Guy, whose handsome face became tinged with colour. 'Are you crazy?" gasped Jane. 'He'd never know.' 'I wasn't thinking of him particularly— She/broke off as the young man in front cocked an ear. 'I was, thinking of the accommodation,' she continued in lowered tones. 'You do realize we'd be given one small tent in which to sleep?' 'You and Pauline could share a tent and Stuart and I another.' 'Well,' intervened Pauline, shaking her head, 'you've certainly got it all worked out, Guy, but I couldn't possibly have a year off work.' 'Money?' came the brief inquiry.

'Not altogether, because I have my aunt's legacy. No, it's my boss. He couldn't manage without me.' 'Couldn't he get another secretary for a year?' His eyes suddenly widened. 'Dr. Vallas will be writing a book on this dig, you can be sure of that, and you'd be able to help him no end—' 'This conversation's pointless,' cut in Stuart mildly. 'As Pauline's just said, she couldn't stay off work for a whole year.' 'Hush,' said Pauline. 'Here he comes.' All heads were turned as Dr. Vallas made a majestic entrance, his long strides soundlessly covering the distance from door to dais. Exceptionally dark-skinned, he had the distinctive features of the Greek - high cheekbones, a lean and rigid jaw and a lined brow from which was brushed back a mass of jet black wavy hair. Muscular and lithe, with not an ounce of surplus flesh on his body, he created an impression of dynamic strength and energy. Mounting the platform, he turned to his audience. 'We might all be worms,' whispered Pauline, but her eyes were fixed on the Greek with undisguised admiration. 'Or potential prey,' submitted Stuart behind his hand'.' 'May I introduce Dr. Nickolas Vallas. ...' Dr. Colson was speaking, but Jane scarcely heard. It was as if she had been given a heady draught, a potent drug that set all her nerves tingling. Her whole being was arrested by the man towering above his friend. Her pulse quickened in sympathy with her heartbeats and even her mind was affected, for she could not take in what was being said. She was aware only of the man's forceful personality, of his incredible good looks, of black metallic

eyes and a mouth which undeniably portrayed the ruthless arrogance which characterized' his heathen ancestors. 'Have you ever been so insolently examined?' whispered Stuart. 'Who does he think he is?' 'Arrogant, granted, and full of his own importance,' declared Pauline, 'but noble all the same.' The last words rolled off her tongue like the soft caress of a lover's flattery. 'Yes, he's certainly noble.' 'Be quiet,' warned Guy. 'He's looking straight at us.' He stood for a few moments after Dr. Colson had finished speaking and then, in a deep rich voice made extraordinarily attractive by the hint of an accent,, he began to outline the work on which he was now engaged. "You all know,' he began by way of an introduction. 'That Greece is the home of western civilization. You also know that a natural product of this early culture was the numerous magnificent works of art which, often initially buried with the dead, or adorning the sacred precincts of the gods, have now found their way into most museums of the world.' 'That's a nasty one!' flashed Jane: 'The Elgin Marbles and all that.' He saw her speak and it suddenly struck her that there was very little those piercing eyes would miss. ' They remained on her and she lowered her head, the colour rushing to her cheeks. 'There was nothing pointed in his remark, I'm sore,' whispered Pauline in defence of their guest. 'I don't know why you should conclude he was making a subtle reference to what we've stolen from his country.' He began speaking again, describing the new tholos tombs that had been discovered a few miles from Mycenae, the city excavated by the

famous Heinrich Schliemann who, on digging into the shaft-graves, found that Agamemnon's city was, as Homer had said, incredibly 'rich in gold'. 'These new graves are of course newer than the shaft-graves,' went on Dr. Vallas in that quiet attractive voice of his, 'and the finds are richer. These include the most exquisite gold ornaments - mainly of the kind that women wore - also beautiful inlaid daggers and other small weapons. Many rich furnishings have been discovered and of course the elegant gold masks of which you have read about recently in the newspapers. However, we have not yet opened the fourth grave, and although there is ample evidence that it was robbed in antiquity we still hope for exciting finds which, important from my point of view, will add to our ever-increasing knowledge of the customs and way of life of the Mycenaeans.' 'He's writing a book on the Mycenaeans.' The man in front turned and whispered the information to the four deeply-absorbed students behind him. 'That's why he found these graves so interesting. They've already thrown much new light on his subject and the book looks like being the best yet written on the Mycenaeans.' Pauline looked at him, her eyes pensive and dark. Then she became absorbed in their lecturer again . .. very absorbed. He went on to talk about the site, which was on the Plain of Argos, in the Peloponnese. He spoke of the scenic beauty, reminding them that change is slow and that, should any of them ever visit the site, they would stand and look down on exactly the same view as did Agamemnon three thousand years ago. As he continued, sometimes adopting a seemingly lazy drawl, the growing excitement could be felt. His listeners were enthralled and

when at last the lecture came to an end there was a small silence before the applause broke out. He raised a hand almost immediately, and asked for questions. These came slowly and with diffidence and Dr. Colson had to smile. No such awed hesitancy followed his lectures! In the long silence following Dr. Vallas's answer to the, last question put, Guy sat there trying to frame his inquiry about volunteers for the dig. 'You did let it be known,' he managed at last, 'that you'd be willing to consider volunteers from among the people here.' 'That is so.' Piercing eyes examined him before moving to the girl at his side. The young man in front made a movement as if to turn and then changed his mind. 'There are of course certain conditions,' added Dr. Vallas. 'But see me afterwards - in Dr. Colson's room.' He glanced round. 'If there are others interested in joining me, they too can come to Dr. Colson's room. And now, can I have some more questions, please?' One or two of the more intrepid students obliged and then, following Dr. Colson's speech of thanks, the majority of the students filed out. 'Come on,' urged Jane, looking at her brother. 'It's no use sitting there.' 'I'm going to tackle him. I'll explain my disinterest in his girls—' 'It won't get you anywhere.' Jane shook her head. 'There's no chance for us, Guy. We'll have to look for something else.' 'I don't want anything else. Lord, after that lecture I don't know how you can so calmly give up the idea of participating in that dig.' He almost glared at her, his eyes, so like hers, flashing with anger. 'It isn't

like you to give in so easily. You're usually more than ready for a fight.' 'I'm not calmly giving up the idea,' she returned with some exasperation. 'On the contrary I'm bitterly disappointed. But crying about it won't do any good; Greece isn't for us, so you might as well become resigned. You heard what he said about conditions - and you know what he meant. You'll only be wasting your own time and his if you go in there and offer your services.' 'I'm not giving in without even seeing him!' 'He won't take us.' Stuart spoke with a finality that should have proved effective, but Guy was loath to accept defeat. 'Jane and I coyld join,' he began, when his sister's amazed glance interrupted him. 'Go without Stuart? - be away from him for a whole year? You're out of your mind to suggest it. He happens to be my fiance!' And yet even in the midst of this emphatic protest Jane suddenly knew again the effects of that heady draught and her gaze turned automatically to the tall Greek, standing, hands thrust into his pockets, talking to his Mend. 'No,' she said with renewed emphasis, 'I'm not falling in with an idea like that.' An intense silence followed before Pauline spoke, her brooding eyes fixed on the man on the platform. 'We could all go.' 'We—?' Stuart looked sharply at her. 'What are you saying, Pauline!' 'I -1 could give up my job altogether.'

'Give up your job?' He stared incredulously, searching her face. It held a strange softness, and her hair, as dark as Jane's was fair, was being brought into a state of mild disorder as a hand was brushed unconsciously through it. .'But you love your job!' 'It's no different from any other, not really. I've enough money for a year's leave ...' She tailed off, spreading her hands, and flushing under the amazed stares of the others. 'Guy's so disappointed,' she persisted in rather feeble tones. 'And so is Jane. In fact, you've all set your hearts on joining Dr. Vallas and it's unfair of me to stand in your way. So I'm agreeing to join the party - if he will have us, that is.' Jane shook her head. 'You can't make a sacrifice like that,' she asserted practically. 'You weren't in the least keen before and you're not really keen now—' 'You're mistaken, Jane. I am keen.' 'You are?' Jane frowned at the rising apprehension within her. Why this feeling of danger? she asked herself, puzzled. 'Is it because of the lecture?' 'Of course it's because of the lecture. It would affect anyone.' 'Is it?' repeated Jane, ignoring her brother's intervention. A small hesitation and then, ' Yes, Jane. It is because of the lecture.' 'Hurrah!' Guy became excited. 'So we're all set to go right in and talk to the great Dr. Nickolas Vallas.' 'Not so quick, Guy. What will Mum and Dad have to say about our posing as husband and wife?'

Her brother glanced impatiently at her. 'Use your sense. We shan't be telling them.' 'Not tell them?' She was shocked. Never in all her twenty-four years had she deceived her parents and the idea of doing so now caused her some considerable anxiety. 'We'll have to.' 'It's both unwise and unnecessary,' interposed Stuart. 'And there's really no harm in leaving them in ignorance, not that I can see.' She looked up at him, surprised. Stuart was always so honest, but she supposed the bug had entered into him as strongly as it had entered into her brother. 'What do you think?' she inquired of Pauline. 'I wouldn't dream of telling my parents,' she answered softly. 'As Stuart says, there's no harm in leaving them in ignorance.' Jane could not believe her ears. Pauline , was regarded as a prude by her friends, a girl who would instantly condemn the slightest deviation from the path of honesty. What had come over her? Obviously the bug was affecting her too, was Jane's conclusion, little knowing just how wrong that conclusion was. A few minutes later they were in the office, being interviewed by a man whom Jane now realized was decidedly formidable. His dark eyes pierced into her, as if he would know every thought in her mind. But when he spoke it was to Guy. 'You probably know that I never consider single men?' 'Yes, sir, I do know that.'

'This is your wife?' he inquired, and Jane's flesh tingled as she awaited her brother's response. It came without the least hesitation. 'Yes. We're all married.' The dark eyes moved to examine Pauline and her brother in turn. Pauline was frowning, and uneasy. It would almost appear that she now did not wish to be regarded as married. 'That's right,' said Guy, his rising optimism reflected in his voice. 'You're all experienced in archaeological technique?' 'Yes,'they replied in chorus. Dr. Vallas picked on Jane, asking her name. 'Well, Mrs. Bryant,' he then said, 'tell me something of what you've done - apart frt>m attending these courses, that I'm interested in your practical ability. Archaeology, like geography, is done in the field.' 'I've taken part in Roman digs,' she began, already feeling inadequate. He wanted to know more, much more. Where were these digs? - and for how long, had she worked on them? He desired answers to numerous questions and when at last he moved on to one of the others Jane was not only hot and uncomfortable, but was also seething with/anger at his sarcastic comments , on many of her answers. She did not feel like offering her services now, even were they required, which she felt sure they were not. The man wanted experts - and for nothing! But in fairness she had to admit that Guy was right when he implied that it would be an honour to work with this most eminent archaeologist. And it was quite normal for students to work for nothing.

Guy was being put through a barrage of questions, and soon the others suffered the same experience. Jane found herself frowning at the way in which Pauline seemed willing to adopt an almost servile attitude towards the man. However, he was kinder to her than he had been to any of the others, so he probably enjoyed being treated as a sort of god! Jane's supposition was reflected in the derisive look she gave him, a look that was caught and held for a long moment before he said, quietly, 'Have any of you any more questions to ask?' 'The accommodation,' ventured Jane at length. 'What will it be like?' 'Certainly not of the five-star variety,' was the prompt reply, and Jane flushed to the roots of her hair. 'You've been on digs before.' Curtly spoken words, meant, she was sure, to throw her into confusion and her temper strained at the bonds. With difficulty she maintained a polite front. 'Usually we manage to get home each evening, but sometimes we stay at a small hotel in the vicinity of the site.' 'I see. Well, there won't be any hotels for you near this site. A hut will be available, if you're lucky. Otherwise you'll have to make do with a tent.' 'That's all right,' put in Guy hastily as he noticed his sister's expression. 'We don't mind roughing it, not in the least.' 'I'm relieved to hear it,' was the sardonic response, and Jane's fists clenched. How could she work with such a detestable man? There was still plenty of time to back out and she intended putting the idea to the others immediately they were out of this office.

But for some inexplicable reason she refrained and a short while later they were all discussing the project over tankards of beer in the massive, tastefully furnished Students' Union. . 'Aren't we the luckiest people on earth!' exaggerated Guy, raising his tankard high in the air. 'Let's drink to what's going to be the best year of our lives!' They drank, and talked until very late. 'He seemed awfully pleased that I was a secretary,' said Pauline reflectively as they all rose to go to bed. 'I wonder if he'll ask me to do some work on his book?' 'Sure to.' Guy smiled encouragingly at her. 'He liked you, anyone could see that.' 'You were the only one to receive an atom of civility from him,' said Jane, and was instantly shocked that she should begrudge her future sister-in-law the politeness which had not been extended to herself. She didn't want the hateful man to be polite to her! She disliked him excessively, and it was only consideration for the others that prevented her from backing out of the venture.

CHAPTER TWO WITH an anxious, brooding expression on her face Jane watched the couple seated together at a roughly- constructed table out in the open. Men and women were busily moving about the site, but Jane did not see them. She was sitting on a broken column that was laid among numerous others on the ground. The sun shone from a clear sky, but it was now autumn and a breeze blew down from the north, whipping her fair hair into disorder and bringing a healthy flush to her cheeks. It was her short luncheon break and she was enjoying the rest.. Was Pauline falling in love with that abominable man? she wondered, her eyes still on the couple seated there, just a short distance away. From the first Pauline had made an effort to be noticed by Dr. Vallas, and Jane could not help recalling how she had suddenly changed her mind about joining the other three. She had said the lecture had influenced her - but could there have been some other reason for her giving up her job and volunteering to assist the archaeologist? She certainly was assisting him; she scarcely ever rested, nothing was too much trouble for her. That Dr. Vallas appreciated her help with his book was evident, but with her usual uncharitableness towards him Jane felt convinced he was just making use of Pauline and that he saw her as a machine rather than a woman. In any case, as far as he knew she was married, so what did Pauline expect to gain? She could of course disclose the true position - were Nickolas eventually to take that kind of interest in her. A good deal amazed by her musings, Jane put them from her. To Pauline Dr. Vallas appeared to be the kind of person inviting hero-worship, that was all. She was far too level-headed and perceptive to fall in love with a man so obviously unsuitable as Nickolas Vallas.

He was dictating to her; she sat on the opposite side of the table and now and then she would lift her head and smile. Dr. Vallas merely continued speaking and Pauline was forced to lower her head again. Jane's attention strayed. In the far distance could be discerned the great fortress of Mycenae, its copper- coloured stones fusing with the craggy mountains which reared on either side of it. On a narrow winding road a peasant woman trudged along beside her husband, who was comfortably seated astride a donkey. Nearer to, the hilly landscape was dotted with ancient olives and lime trees. How many of these hills concealed treasures unexplored? Jane wondered. The tholos graves, shaped like giant beehives, had through the ages become part of the landscape, buried by loess and covered by vegetation. It was the same at Knossos. From the depths of the most natural-looking green hill had emerged a magnificent palace, reputed to have contained nearly a thousand rooms. A similar hill close by was thought to cover an even more sumptuous palace, but as yet it lay undisturbed, buried by whatever catastrophe had in ancient times come upon it. Suddenly Jane's eye lit up as Stuart left the other workers and came towards her. He was handsome and tall, with eyes as blue as Jane's, but the sun had not tanned him as it had the others; he was too fair to tan attractively. 'You look like some lonely goddess on her fallen pedestal,' he laughed, taking a seat beside her. 'Can a poor mortal venture into your august presence?' 'Idiot!' She laughed and without thinking tucked her arm into his, unaware that the action was noticed by the man sitting down there at the table. 'How's it going? Has the entrance been breached yet?' Jane herself was engaged in the intricate work of cleaning some small finds which, having been buried for centuries in mud that had hardened almost into a rock-like state, made her task both difficult and lengthy.

'We're almost through.' Stuart's eyes rested on one of the Greek labourers working on the entrance to the last of the tholoi. 'It was exciting when Dr. Vallas gave his permission for work to begin on it.' 'I was beginning to think he never would.' Curt and cold were her tones and her fiance glanced at her oddly. 'I expected we'd begin on it immediately, but we've been here three months and only now has he decided to open it.' 'It's natural that he wishes to clear up the others first.' Stuart paused a moment. 'Dr. Vallas doesn't seem to do a Single thing which meets with your approval.' 'I just don't like him, that's all.' v Then I can't imagine why. He's abrupt, and a slave- driver, granted, but we all like and respect him even though we might indulge in a grumble now and then. But you... you never have a word to say in his favour.' 'We don't like each other, Stuart, and I might as well tell you I'm thinking of going home.' She spoke broodingly, reflecting on the numerous times Dr. Vallas had criticized her methods on coming into the hut to examine her work. From experience she knew she worked conscientiously, and, with the utmost care, but it had begun to dawn on Jane that if his temper was in any way frayed,-she was always the one coming in for the lash of his tongue. It seemed almost as if he sought her out to take the rap for someone else's wrongdoing. With the knowledge that she had to work with him for a year Jane had early decided it were better if they could get along reasonably well together, and she had gone out of her way to be polite, difficult though it was at times. But she refused to extend the deference given him by Pauline and the result Was that even a vestige of friendliness had eluded them. She loved the work and it would be hard to leave, but she could not see herself continuing to work under these unpleasant conditions. Stuart was gazing at her with a stunned expression.

'Going home? Jane, has something happened? You can't let us all down. If you went we'd all have to go-' 'You and Pauline could stay.' 'You know very well that if you went I should go with you.' She did not speak and he continued, 'You've said many a time that you love working here - that you love Greece.' 'Greece?' she echoed bitterly. 'I haven't seen anything of it.' He frowned at her. 'You didn't expect this to be a tourist trip. What's happened, Jane?' She hesitated, looking down at her hands. And then her eyes strayed to Pauline, basking contentedly in the great man's favour. 'I'm just tired of being told off and not being in a position to retaliate.' Why did he so dislike her? she wondered. And it was her only because he did occasionally extend a word of praise to almost everyone who worked for him. Almost everyone. ... Jane glanced sideways at Stuart. Never had Dr. Vallas praised her fiance... No, and now she came to think of it he practically ignored him, but it would seem that Stuart had not as yet noticed this. I expect it's my imagination - as far as Stuart is concerned, she told herself, for there's no reason why Dr. Vallas should dislike them both. 'Told off? I've never heard him telling you off.' 'It's when we're alone, when I'm working in the shed - working really hard, Stuart. He just finds fault all the time. I can't do a thing right for him.'

'Why haven't you mentioned it before?' he asked indignantly. 'I'll talk to him about it!' 'You?' She raised her brows. 'It's my — er — husband he'd expect to complain - if there is to be a complaint.' 'Good lord, yes, I quite forgot. Then Guy must tackle him.' 'And let him know that I've been worrying about it?' Emphatically she shook her head. 'I wouldn't give Dr. Vallas the satisfaction of knowing he could upset me.' 'I do think you're exaggerating, darling. Perhaps you're tired?' 'I'm not in the least tired - not physically, that is.' ' Just tired of working for Dr. Vallas?' 'Exactly.' He paused, clearly troubled. 'You mustn't be unhappy, Jane. I won't have it. We'll discuss the matter after dinner.' 'Guy won't agree to go home.' 'He'll have to. Your happiness is more important than any dig.' She turned to him and smiled. 'You're wonderful to me, Stuart.' 'I'm glad you think so, darling.' And forgetful of the couple sitting at the table he turned' and kissed her lightly on the cheek.

'I suppose we should be working,' sighed Jane at last. 'It's lovely sitting here in the sunshine, in spite of the wind.' 'It isn't really cold, though.' He glanced at his watch. 'Yes, young lady, you've had more than your half hour. Come on!' They walked together towards the shed, passing close to the table. Dr. Vallas had finished his dictating and his whole attention was fixed on Jane and Stuart, his dark eyes flickering disdainfully from one to the other. Then he looked, thoughtfully at the pretty girl opposite to him. 'Not even a nod!' exclaimed Jane, lifting her head. 'He's insufferable!' 'Hush, he'll hear you.' 'I don't care if he does!'' 'There's no need to be rude, darling. What has come over you?' 'He looked at us as if we'd committed a crime. I suppose in his country a married woman would not be allowed to sit with a man who was not her husband.' 'I expect he knows that it's freer in the West,' was all Stuart said to that, and a few moments later they parted company, Stuart to resume his work on the entrance to the tomb and Jane to go to the shed. She had been working for about half an hour when Nickolas walked in, seeming to fill the tiny place. 'You're still on these?' Slender fingers picked up an exquisite gold brooch. 'Is this supposed to be finished?'

'I was afraid to probe too deeply. The gold is very thin.' Her tones were as frigid as his, and she did not take the trouble to look up. 'I don't want to do any damage.' 'You can't do any damage if you work carefully.' He replaced it on the table. 'It will come cleaner than that.' She bit her lip, stemming the retort she would dearly have loved to make. 'I'll work on it a little more, then.' 'It's taken you an excessive length of time, Mrs. Bryant. I want this stuff sent away by the week-end.' 'In that case, perhaps I could have some help?' She glanced up at last, anger in her eyes. 'I'm working to full capacity, Dr. Vallas.' A silence fell; Jane knew that she had angered him, but for once she did not care what he said to her. Was she becoming resigned? - or perhaps the reason was the subconscious idea that she might soon be saying goodbye to him. Would the others agree to go home? If not, could she be selfish enough to insist? How different it all was from what she had expected when first she and Guy had excitedly discussed the possibility of taking a year's leave and joining some dig abroad. If only they had found something different, had joined up with someone more friendly and human than this impossible creature who had taken a dislike to her right from the start. 'You're working to capacity, are you?' he said in cold and even tones. 'Then there's nothing for it but to send you help. I'll tell Miss Gilbert to come in.' She felt her anger increase. Twice she and the formidable Miss Gilbert had crossed swords - and Dr Vallas knew this. The woman had for

years been his chief assistant; she was clever, and thorough, and in consequence had no time for amateurs. At thirty-five she was still unmarried and there were those who believed she was in love with her employer. 'But he'll never marry her,' Guy had asserted one day when this was mentioned. 'He'd take someone much younger than himself - someone he could boss about. That old harridan would never be brought under subjection. In fact, she's like a man herself!' And she was. Even her clothes were severe, matching her expression. She had an air of arrogance too, and a harsh, most unattractive voice. 'Perhaps I can manage on my own,' began Jane, realizing that Dr. Vallas was expecting some comment. ... 'I could work later in the evenings.' 'You don't seem pleased with the idea of having Miss Gilbert to assist you,' he remarked disconcertingly;' Is it that you don't like her?' A tiny sigh escaped her, a sigh of exasperation that brought an arrogant life to his straight black brows. 'Does it matter whether I like her or not?' she countered, dropping her veneer of politeness. 'Not in the least - as far as I'm concerned. I'll send her in at once.' At the door he looked back and added with a sort of dark significance, 'Whatever Miss Gilbert's faults, Mrs. Bryant, she's straight.' And on that cryptic piece of information he walked out. Straight... A frown gathered on Jane's brow. What did he mean? 'That I'm not straight,' she murmured, fury rising within her. What possible reason could he have for an implication such as that? Not straight!

Jane's eyes flashed and her fists clenched. This was the final insult! Whatever the others wanted to do she was going home.

True to his word, Stuart brought the subject up that evening after dinner. They were strolling in the moonlight, still clad in slacks and sweaters, Jane and Stuart in front, hands clasped. Guy and Pauline stopped dead on hearing of Jane's wish to return to England, both uttering exclamations of amazement. Jane and Stuart turned, and on Guy's demanding an explanation she repeated what she had already told her fiance. But her words sounded weak even to her own ears; she had nothing really concrete with which to convince them. Dr. Vallas was a stickler for perfection, Guy said, and it was only to be expected he would pull her up if she made a mistake. Besides, it was all for her own good. Didn't she realize how lucky she was, learning from so celebrated an archaeologist as Dr. Vallas? 'We've all been criticized at times,' said Guy. 'For myself, I'm grateful because I'm gaining experience.' 'You're exaggerating the whole thing,' asserted Pauline with a heat that was quite out of character. 'Dr. Vallas is charming.' 'To you, perhaps. With me he's just the opposite.' She stopped, unable to relate what had happened earlier. For with the others withholding any support she felt foolish - just as if she really were exaggerating. Even Stuart did not now appear to be backing her, despite his earlier assertion that her happiness was more important than any dig. 'You can't go home!' Guy looked angrily at his aster. 'It would be utterly selfish to take us all back just because of some stupid whim—'

'Hold on, Guy,' protested Stuart. 'Jane was really upset this afternoon. I believe it's more than a whim.' 'Thank you,' said Jane tartly, and she pulled her hand away from his. 'But it's a bit late to begin supporting me now! And none of you need worry. I'll stick it out - but I'm also warning you that we might all be sacked, because from now on I'm going to answer that insufferable man back!' . 'She's sickening for something,' declared her brother disgustedly. 'Women!' 'I suppose you've concluded I'm moody!' 'I'm damned sure you're moody— 'Look here, Guy—' 'I'm going in,' snapped Jane. 'None of you even wishes to understand.' 'I understand, darling,' began Stuart, troubled, but he was not allowed to add to that as Jane flashed at him, 'Don't darling me! You're on their side and you don't care how much I have to put up with so long as you can stay here. If I'd taken any notice of my instinct I wouldn't have come in the first place. I could see what he was on the night of the lecture and I ought to have had more sense than to fall in with your plans. Goodnight!' 'Jane, come back!' It was Pauline who called, but Jane had gone. A cloud covered the moon as she ran, angry tears on her cheeks, and she didn't see the tall figure of Dr. Vallas until she had actually bumped into him.

'Oh ... it's you!' She was caught in his arms as they were automatically extended to support her. Her body was against him and for one brief second it was as if she had received an electric shock. 'What's wrong?' The voice was smooth and deep; the hands were warm and strong as they moved to her arms and held her away from him. 'Isn't your husband with you? Don't you know it can be dangerous to go out alone in the dark? Whom are you running away from?' Jane twisted from his hold, but then she stood still, looking up at him in the dimness of the shadows cast by a moving cloud, her lips parted, her whole body quivering with an emotion she had never before experienced. 'I w-was with my - my husband, yes - and with the others, b-but I didn't feel well, so I'm going in.' 'You didn't feel well?' Jane could sense the frown on his face. 'And yet you could run like that?' Sceptical tones, edged with the familiar disdain. It occurred to Jane that this must appear an odd situation and she checked the retort that rose to her lips, merely saying instead, 'I'm sorry I bumped into you, Dr. Vallas. Good night,' and without giving him the chance to speak she turned away, walking swiftly towards the hut, one of a group in which the workers slept. Dr. Vallas's hut was at the end, and no different from any of the others. He afforded himself no extra comforts; like the rest he had a small camp bed and a sleeping-bag; like the rest he was provided with the most meagre of furnishings. Jane had not been in long when the other three entered the hut. A single electric light bulb hung unshaded from the ceiling; Jane was sitting on her bed, her mind filled, not with the quarrel or her desire to return home, but with that moment when she had found herself in Nickolas Vallas's arms. She still felt the touch of his hands, warm and

strong. And suddenly she caught her breath, conscious of the fact that she had not twisted away immediately, but had remained in his arms just a fraction longer than was necessary. The blood rushed to her cheeks at the memory. Would Nickolas have noticed? Jane felt sure he must have, and she became hotter than ever. Why had she not instinctively recoiled from him, dragging herself away even before his arms had closed about her? She could easily have done so. And even when she eventually did free herself from his hold she just stood there, staring up at him, instead of walking away. Her remark, too, had not held the frigid accent that his sceptical words invited. In fact her remark had been an apology, spoken softly and supplemented by that rather breathless 'good night'. Inwardly writhing now, from a sense of humiliation at not acting in the manner suited to the occasion, Jane was thankful for the appearance of the other three, even though she knew she had an unpleasant few minutes in front of her. Stuart was the first to speak, in tones of apology and unhappiness. 'Jane darling, I'm willing to go home just whenever you wish. Just say the word and I'll see Dr. Vallas first thing tomorrow morning.' 'We've talked about it,' put in Guy rather sulkily, 'and decided to do whatever you want.' Looking from one to another, Jane read their thoughts. Stuart, concerned only for her and at the same time disappointed at the prospect of a curtailment of this adventure; Guy, inwardly angry, and agreeing to go home only because he had no alternative than to fall in with Jane's wishes, and not because of any concern for his sister. What of Pauline? Her eyes were bright... as though she had recently experienced- difficulty in holding back tears. Her small hands were clasped together, twitching fingers portraying an emotion which Jane's alert mind grasped immediately. So she was in love with Nickolas!

'I said I'd stick it out,' Jane watched Pauline's face, saw the intense relief there, and the smile that hovered on her lips as the silent moments went by before Stuart spoke, asking Jane if she were quite sure she wanted to stay. 'As Guy says,' he added, anxiety in his quiet voice, 'we've discussed the matter and decided to do as you wish.' They couldn't really do anything else, thought Jane, and she knew it would indeed be utter selfishness on her part to insist on going .home. It was one person's happiness and wishes against three; that was answer enough. 'Yes, Stuart, I'm quite sure I want to stay.' 'Oh ...' the word possessed a wealth of meaning and Jane frowned. Perhaps, she thought, it would in fact be far kinder to take Pauline away from Nickolas Vallas. In spite of his obvious liking for her it seemed impossible that he would fall in love with her. And yet he might. Pauline was certainly pretty... and she was of a placating, docile nature... just the sort of woman suited to the man who was plainly born to command: 'We're all very grateful to you, Jane,' Pauline added, the smile still on her lips. 'I'm sure Dr. Vallas doesn't mean to - well, to nag at you, as you appear to think. He has a lot on his mind and even with me he gets irritable sometimes.' Even with me ... So Pauline had already begun to consider herself placed in a different category from everyone else. Jane felt greatly troubled; Pauline was such a fragile little thing, and fragile things are so easily broken. If Nickolas did not return her love it would be. disastrous for Pauline. As she lay in bed with deep eluding her Jane sent up a little prayer that Pauline would not be hurt, that the interest Nickolas had in her would strengthen into love.

The little tiff which had resulted from Jane's angry outburst had naturally to be made up in private, and the following afternoon Jane and her fiance took their tea break together and went off towards a little grove where pine trees grew and where, already Watered by the autumn rains, the bright yellow crocuses were carpeting the ground, covering the bare stony earth that had been burned dry by the merciless sun of the Grecian summer. 'Sweet...' Stuart took Jane in his arms and kissed her tenderly. 'I'm so sorry, darling.' Jane shook her head, pulling herself away from him. 'I'm the one who must apologize. I was so horrid that I don't know how you can forgive me.' 'I love you,' he whispered, and said no more, for those words were explanation enough. But he kissed her again and although she responded in the same old way Jane was vaguely conscious of a lack of fulfilment within herself. She could not discover any reason for this, or for the strange restlessness that possessed her, and yet deep in her heart she was troubled over what she could not perceive. 'We've had our half hour,' she said at last, disengaging herself from his embrace. 'I've that horrid Miss Gilbert working with me and she looks at her watch every time I go into the shed.' An unmistakable sigh of impatience from Stuart and Jane looked up. Reading her thoughts, he said apologetically, 'Sorry, dear, but you do grumble lately. Are you feeling off-colour?' She bit her lip and after a little while said contritely,

'I suppose I do seem to be always grumbling.' She shook her head. What was the matter with her? Sometimes she even felt irritable with herself! 'No, I'm not feeling off-colour.' Suddenly she brightened, tucking her arm through his as they walked to the edge of the grove. 'I'll not grumble any more, I promise!' On reaching the edge of the grove Jane withdrew her arm, but as she and Stuart walked back, deliberately, avoiding the area where they knew Dr. Vallas was working, he unexpectedly came from one of the sheds. His eyes met Jane's coolly, then moved to regard her companion. A flickering of contempt for them both • and then, without even so much as a nod, Dr. Vallas walked past them. 'I think,' said Jane pensively, 'that perhaps we should take more care. Greeks don't favour the idea of friendships such as ours is supposed to be. I am supposed to be married to Guy, you know.' Stuart merely laughed. 'I've said, dear, that he'll be quite versed in the ways of the West.' Jane said nothing; she had no wish that Stuart should again become impatient with her, but she made a resolution to be a little more careful in the future.

CHAPTER THREE WITH a sigh of extreme satisfaction and contentment Jane at last put down the exquisitely-fashioned gold diadem on which she had worked diligently for many hours. Miss Gilbert picked it up, her grey eyes sharp as a hawk's. Jane waited, positive she could find no fault with it, but to her amazement the older woman said brusquely, 'Dr. Vallas said you were unable to cope and he was certainly light. This requires a harder brush.' 'I'm afraid to use a harder brush; the gold is so thin in places ... those leaves, for example, they could fall apart—' 'Rubbish! Get a harder brush on them.' Jane contained her patience with difficulty. So Dr. Vallas had put it like that, had he? Surely that reflected his dislike of her. He could easily have said Jane was slow, and that was why she required help. Instead, he had told Miss Gilbert she wasn't able to cope! The same thing, Jane had to admit, but it could have been said in a nicer way. However, as Jane was determined not to have words with Miss Gilbert she merely said, . 'I feel sure no improvement can be made. I've worked for a very long time on it and it would be awful if it were ruined now.' 'Ruined? No such thing. Here, work with this brush.'' Jane took the brush from her-hand, still hesitant about using it for so delicate a task. But Miss Gilbert knew what she was doing; she was an expert, while she, Jane, was merely an amateur, and after a while she did as she was told. Tiny sediments were removed from the minute crevices and Jane was just beginning to give silent praise to Miss Gilbert when to her utter dismay one of the leaves fell to the table in fragments.

'Oh ...' Jane could have cried with sheer disappointment. 'I knew this treatment was too harsh.' 'What have you done, girl?' Miss Gilbert eyed the fragments with rising anger. 'How clumsy! Why Dr. Villas put you on such intricate work I'll never know. You'd better go and tell him what you've done.' 'Tell him?' The idea appalled her. If he picked on her for nothing what was he going to say about this? 'You're to blame. I was perfectly satisfied with, it as it was.' 'Dr. Vallas wouldn't hate been satisfied,' the older woman snapped, taking the diadem from Jane's trembling fingers. 'You've utterly ruined one of the finest objects we've found in these tombs. Here, take it to him. The sooner you get it over and done with the better.' 'I c-can't.' Where was the spirit with which she had vowed to answer him back in future ? On declaring that she intended doing so she had meant it, but now she was afraid - afraid of Dr. Vallas for the first time. 'It's your fault and you should shoulder the blame.' Arrogant brows were raised. 'I never even handled the thing. You'd shift the blame?' The woman shook her head. 'The destruction's entirely your responsibility, Mrs. Bryant, and the best thing you can do is to make your confession immediately.' The diadem was passed back; with a sinking heart and dragging feet Jane made her way to the place where Dr. Vallas was directing operations on the entrance to the new tomb. Many people were about and Jane was loath to let her mistake become common knowledge. The diadem was carefully wrapped and she held it against her.

'Dr. Vallas, could I speak to you - er - privately?' He turned, regarding her in surprise. How dark and forbidding he looked, clad in dusty slacks and a black sweater. His mouth wore that familiar tightness, his jaw was rigid and square, his brow lowered. Jane felt her throat contract; at this moment she would willingly have given ten years of her life to avoid the next few minutes: 'Privately?' he frowned, eyeing her with his usual contempt. 'Something wrong?' 'I'm afraid so,' she responded unhappily. 'If you will come into your office...?' A moment's hesitation, a word of instruction to one of. the men and he turned and walked briskly in the direction of his office. Pauline was there, at the typewriter, and Jane lifted imploring eyes to his. 'Leave us a while, please, Mrs. Dyson,' he Said, and with a look of surprise at her future sister-in-law Pauline rose and left them together. 'Now, Mrs. Bryant, what is it?' Slowly, reluctantly, she put the diadem on the desk, and took off the wrapping. 'I - I'm afraid there's been an accident with this, Dr. Vallas. I'm so very sorry, but one of - of—' He had already picked it up and as he regarded it in silence she recalled his saying, only yesterday, that it was one of the most beautiful ornaments he had ever found. After what seemed an eternity he raised his eyes from the object that, appeared to be ruined, his expression one of harsh condemnation. 'This is the first time you've made such a mistake. May I ask if it was deliberate?' 'Deliberate?' Jane gaped at him. 'How can you suggest such a thing!'

'Naturally I. wondered.' With care and deliberation he replaced the lovely object on the table. 'You don't like me, Mrs. Bryant.' A calm statement and Jane blushed hotly, thrown into confusion, but she was also astounded, having expected a sudden burst of fury when at last he did choose to speak to her. 'I don't understand, Dr. Vallas. Why should you conclude that I don't like you?' 'Mrs. Bryant, let's have the gloves off, shall we? The other day I overheard myself referred to - by you - as insufferable.' 'You heard—?' Jane lowered her head, shaken to the depths. On declaring to Stuart that she did not care if Dr. Vallas heard her disparaging comment she had not bargained on hearing her words repeated by the man concerned. Her confusion overwhelmed her and she could only mumble almost inaudibly, 'I'm sorry ...' Why, this humility? And why this desperate wish that he had not overheard her remark? - this regret, in fact, of ever having uttered it? 'An apology is quite unnecessary, Mrs. Bryant. Your opinion of me is of no importance,' he told her icily, and he added, after a small silence, 'Was this a deliberate piece of vandalism? You didn't answer my question.' Miserably she lifted her head, her eyes bright and her mouth quivering. It seemed so terribly important all at once that he should not think badly of her - and yet she despaired of convincing him. 'I love these things; I wouldn't dream of deliberately damaging one of them. It - it really was an accident.' Should she mention the brushes? tell him she herself had known the treatment would be too harsh? But there was really no excuse. Had Miss Gilbert, with her years of experience, been using the same brush she would not have produced

the same result. 'I suppose I must have been clumsy,' admitted Jane at last. 'I can only say I regret this damage as much as you do.' She examined his face, and read only the initial condemnation. Having heard her remark to Stuart he had concluded, most unjustly, that she had deliberately broken the diadem because of her dislike of him. He stood regarding her intently for a space and then, in tones of finality, 'I shall take you off this work, Mrs. Bryant, and put you on something which you cannot damage. From now on you'll be cataloguing the finds—' 'No ... please! I'll never make such a mistake again.' But he was shaking his head and suddenly Jane could take no more. 'Very well, I'll do your cataloguing ! But if you find yourself short of people to do this more intricate work - don't call on me!' His dark eyes glinted dangerously. 'Be very careful,' he warned softly. 'I've already considered dispensing with your services.' She looked up quickly, astonished, and deflated. 'But why? What have I done?' The thin lips curled. He did not make any effort at diplomacy as he said, still in those soft and even tones, 'There is a certain type of woman whom I abhor... and you, Mrs. Bryant, are of that type.'

For days after that Jane pondered over these final words of Dr. Vallas. And she also recalled his veiled implication that she wasn't 'straight'. Never had Jane felt so confused, or so unhappy. To think she had given up a year's salary for this! 'If only I could go home,' she whispered fiercely. 'But I've given my promise to the others.' It would be hell from now on, she felt convinced, for every time she came into contact with Nickolas she would be reminded of his opinion of her. Hitherto she had sensed dislike, but now she felt he actually hated her, and for some reason known only to himself - for try as she would Jane could not account for that hatred.

The tomb was opened and although as Nickolas had said some rifling had occurred, the finds remaining were spectacular. Beautiful bronze daggers with ivory handles; swords, also in bronze, with alabaster pommels, several death masks in gold, masses of jewellery including gold and silver earrings, brooches, necklaces and even a set of golden hair curlers. Everyone was excited and all eagerly awaited the talk which Dr. Vallas was giving on the finds. He spoke for over an hour and on ending there was a hush among his audience before, with a Smile transforming his stern set features, Dr. Vallas asked if there were any questions. Jane naturally remained silent, but Guy with his customary enthusiasm wanted to know how Dr. Vallas had reached the conclusion that the contents of the tomb were still rich despite the prior knowledge that it had been robbed in antiquity. 'Was it merely instinct?' he ended, curiously. 'To a certain extent. You see, near the entrance we found the bones of a man crushed by a landfall, and close by were several gold objects small objects such as could be carried out of a tomb easily and hidden in clothing. I reached the conclusion that the bones were those of the

robber, who had been killed when engaged on his nefarious work. The fact that the gold objects were still there proved that no other robber made an attempt afterwards.' 'Oh!' breathed Pauline, looking at him with shining eyes. 'How very clever of you, Dr. Vallas.' He threw her a smile - and Jane quickly formed the impression that had it been anyone else who had uttered those words he or she would have received a glance of disparagement, for Dr. Vallas said, without much expression, 'It was not clever at all, just pure logical deduction. There had to be a reason for the man's being there, and the most obvious reason was that he was the robber.' Pauline flushed at her lack of perception, but continued to regard the speaker through shining eyes. The man might already have completely rifled the grave, and these treasures you found could have been the last.' The young man who spoke had, during the past few weeks, become friendly with Jane and her little group and he was now sitting with them, next to Jane herself. His name was Tim, and his father was rich enough to finance this venture for him. Surprised that he should be single, Guy asked how he came to be here. His father was a friend of Dr. Vallas, and he had been given preferential treatment, Dr. Vallas being aware of his integrity. 'You're quite right, these treasures could have been the last,' Dr. Vallas conceded. 'But they were gold, and robbers always took the gold first or perhaps I should say, these particular objects were not the kind to be left until the last. This was the reason for my concluding that the grave still held treasures, and I proved to be right in my conclusion.'

More questions and discussions, and then Dr. Vallas surprised them by saying they were all to have a weekend in Athens at his expense, raising a hand almost before the first protest was uttered. 'We must celebrate.' He smiled ... until his eyes lighted on Jane and then the smile vanished. 'After your little break, ladies and gentlemen, I shall work you harder than ever, so take warning.' This was a mood in which none had seen him before. He smiled and his manner was pleasant. Gone was the formidable front, the haughty air of superiority known to every single assistant on the site. Jane watched him with a brooding expression in her lovely eyes, and for no reason at all she remembered that first startling sensation of ,being drugged, of her profound awareness of this man's forceful personality; she recalled her sudden access of apprehension on hearing Pauline say she now wished to join her brother and her future in-laws on this dig. And more vividly Jane recollected her own behaviour on literally falling into Dr. Vallas's arms on the night of her quarrel with the others. She had quivered from head to foot at his nearness, pins and needles affecting her whole body. And she had remained close for that unaccountable minute instead of wrenching herself away. She thought of those warm brown hands on her arms, of his numerous insults and contemptuous stares, of that supreme insult when he had insinuated she was not straight, and the subsequent denunciation of her as a woman belonging to the type that he abhorred. Warmth spread over her - the warmth of humiliation which suffused her body until she felt tiny beads of dampness on her brow. To be so despised, and for no apparent reason. What had she done that was so different from what the others had done? As Guy had said, they were all criticized at times, and Jane herself would never have taken exception to criticism had it stemmed from some just cause. But from the very first Dr. Vallas had gone out of his way to find fault with her work, and never once had he extended to her a word of encouragement

or praise. She was reasonable enough to admit that in his expert eyes her work might not be deserving of praise, but then he could have given, her advice, helped her as he willingly helped the others. So many times Jane had searched for some fault of hers that might initially have antagonized him, but she remained, mystified. She also puzzled over his statement that she was the type pf woman he abhorred, but again she found herself completely in the dark. One of these days, she thought determinedly, she would tackle him, demanding an explanation, but the time must be right, for Jane was now ever conscious of the fact that he had already considered dispensing with her services, and as this would inevitably affect her companions she decided it would be more prudent to keep out of his way. Not that she cared for herself, her chief desire being to put as great a distance as possible between Nickolas Vallas and herself, but she could not endanger the position of the others - and especially that of Pauline, whose interest in her boss was .even greater than that in her work. 'Isn't he wonderful?' breathed Pauline much later when they were all sitting outside the girls' hut, enjoying the pine-scented night and the rest from their labours. 'Just imagine his footing a bill like that! It'll cost him a fortune!' 'No such thing.' Jane spoke sharply and the three turned their heads. 'None of the Greek labourers are going, and as some of the students prefer to stay around here and explore some; of the other sites it can't be costing him a fortune.' 'You wouldn't give him credit for a thing, would you?' Stuart shook his head with that gesture of impatience Jane had noticed on a previous occasion. 'It's such a pity you don't like him, Jane, because the rest of .us are so happy here.'

'I can't see why you don't like him,' put in Pauline a trifle indignantly. 'I think he's absolutely marvellous!' With a sideways glance Jane examined the faces of the two men. Neither suspected an underlying meaning to Pauline's words. As far as they were concerned she spoke of the archaeologist, not the man. 'It isn't merely that Jane doesn't like Dr. Vallas,' said Guy. 'They just don't like each other. You never told us, Jane, why he took you off the work you particularly enjoyed and made you do thte cataloguing.' 'I did tell you why. We had a few words.' 'That was a fib; we three agreed about it at the time.' 'You did?' She had not put them in possession of the true facts because she knew the men's indignation at the injustice would have led at least one of them to lodge a complaint, which in Jane's opinion would have achieved nothing, merely resulting in a deterioration of the position between Dr. Vallas and herself. 'I'd rather not talk about it, Guy,' she added as he watched her closely, waiting for her to speak. He shrugged, with the disinterest of a brother, but Stuart said, 'I can't think how this unpleasantness between you has come about, Jane, but if you're going to continue to be unhappy for another eight months we really have no alternative but to think of going home—' 'Not again!' exploded Guy, glaring at him. 'We've been through all this before - and settled it!' 'We couldn't possibly go home,' declared Pauline emphatically. 'Dr. Vallas is relying on me. He says I'm the most efficient secretary he's ever had.'

Jane looked at her. So she was no longer classed as a mere student assistant, but had been upgraded to the post of secretary. 'I'm not intending returning to England,' Jane informed them, and the relief could be felt. 'You must have done something to vex him,' asserted Pauline, 'for I find him the easiest person in the world to get on with.' 'You weren't very enamoured with him on the night of the lecture,' Jane couldn't help reminding her, and a flush rose to Pauline's cheeks. 'I - liked him, even though I did say something a little disparaging. He's a fine man, Jane, and you'd agree if you knew him as well as I.' 'As I'm, not likely ever to know him as well as you I shan't be able to agree, shall I?' retorted Jane, and once again wondered why she should begrudge Pauline the attention she received from her employer. 'Jane dear, there's no need to snap at Pauline,' admonished Stuart. 'I really can't think what's come ova: you lately.' 'Did I snap? I'm sorry; I didn't mean to.' 'This dislike you have for Dr. Vallas is becoming an obsession,' her brother said shortly. 'You should do something about it.' Flushing, Jane lowered her head. Was it becoming an obsession? Why she should bother her head about the wretched man puzzled her in the extreme. The sensible course was to ignore him completely ... but somehow, Nickolas Vallas was not a man one could ignore: One either hated him or ... liked him. Liked? A most odd sensation swept over Jane as she realized that in her mind had occurred that tiny hesitation. And she knew there must be some reason for it. She refused to dwell on that reason and to her relief the appearance of Tim Worthing

brought the conversation round once again to the projected trip to Athens. 'I've been before,' Tim informed them. 'It's a wonderful city.' 'Some say it's just like any other big city.' Stuart's glance was questioning.' 'In a way, 1 suppose it is, but remember the Acropolis is there. No other city in the world has an acropolis like that of Athens.' 'Athens ... the "violet-crowned",' quoted Guy in a dreamy sort of way. 'You know, we're damned lucky to be working for a man like Dr. Vallas!' 'We certainly are,' agreed Tim, his whole attention on Pauline. 'And I suppose I'm especially lucky, for if Dad hadn't been a friend of Dr. Vallas I'd not have had a chance.' The odd way in which those words were spoken, and the glances cast at the other four, brought a little tingling to Jane's spine, and although it was gone almost immediately, Jane was soon to learn that there had been a very good reason for it. She was making her way to a little wooded enclosure on the following afternoon when Tim came up and fell into step beside her. 'Going anywhere particular?' he wanted to know, directing his glance to the book she carried under her arm. 'I usually skip tea and have my break in there.' She indicated the small enclosure ahead of them. 'It's quiet, and I read.' 'Can I speak to you?' he asked. 'Privately?' 'Of course.' Turning her head, she regarded him in some surprise. 'Anything wrong?'

'Not wrong, no.' He did not speak again until they were seated (in the fallen tree which was Jane's favourite spot. 'This is fine; we won't be disturbed.' 'You're very mysterious,' she laughed. 'You have my woman's curiosity all agog.' Responding to her laugh, he then became serious. 'Firstly, Jane,' he began without preamble, 'I know that none of you four is married.' Her eyes widened as consternation swept over her. 'You do? But how?" she faltered, remembering the friendship existing between his father and Dr. Vallas and wondering if their secret was safe with Tim. 'A fellow who was with you on Dr. Colson's course happens to be a friend of mine and we correspond. Evidently he heard you talking about posing as married couples because he hinted in his last letter that you might be here - in this false position. Don't look so concerned,' he went on reassuringly. 'I haven't replied to his letter yet.' Jane could find nothing to say for the moment and Tim went on to explain how he had already suspected something of the sort because he knew the two girls shared one hut and the men the other. 'It just wouldn't be natural, would it?' he ended with a laugh. 'You - watched us?' Had anyone else noticed? she wondered. But no, for it Would soon have become common knowledge and Dr. Vallas would have heard about it. 'I'm a late night stroller,' he said, amused by her expression. 'It's often very dark, and so you haven't noticed me.'

'You've noticed us, evidently.' 'By accident the first time - and was I puzzled? Two devastatingly beautiful girls sleeping away from their husbands!' He stopped, sparing her any more blushes, but added after a while, 'I was curious, I can tell you, because I'd not at that time connected the ban on angle men, with this odd circumstance. However, I did deliberately watch for several nights after that and naturally hit on the truth. The .letter didn't really tell me anything I hadn't already guessed.' 'Are you going to denounce us?' Strangely, Jane's feelings were mixed. She desired fervently to go home, she told herself one moment, but the next moment she was waiting a little breathlessly for his reply. And she knew the reply she wanted.... 'Certainly not.' He paused, a smile hovering on his lips. 'You see, I'm the last person to want you all to be sent home.' 'You are?' 'Haven't you guessed? I'm just head over heels in love with Pauline.' She stared at him, looking almost comical in her dismay. 'What a tangle we're all in!' she exclaimed. 'Tim, you have no idea what a muddle ensues when you start to lie. I wish with all my heart we'd never attended that lecture.' He frowned, his face suddenly anxious. 'All this is rather cryptic, Jane. Is anything wrong? There's no danger of Dr. Vallas discovering the truth. I've already told you that.' Was anything wrong? How little he knew! It was not the fear of exposure that troubled her.

'Why have you come to me?' she inquired at last. 'Because you know Pauline, and I wondered if she were already engaged - or attached. I must admit I concluded this is unlikely because no fiance or boyfriend would allow her to come away on her own like this. I know Stuart is your fiance, because that was mentioned in the letter, and I also know Guy is your brother. I've watched Pauline and Guy ana it's clear I've nothing to worry about there. Is she already attached?' he repeated. Jane fell miserably silent. How to answer that one posed a problem. Pauline was definitely attached - in one sense of the word, but Jane had no intention of mentioning Nickolas Vallas. 'She's not engaged,' she murmured at length. 'And at home she hasn't a boy-friend - apart from the casuals who escort her to dances,; that is.' 'Then there's nothing in the way of my courting her - if she'll allow me to.' Tim was jubilant and Jane's heart ached for him. A most eligible young man he was; not particularly handsome, but his honest, good-natured face, his obvious sincerity and dependability, these would attract any girl. What could she say to him? she wondered, but even as she searched for words he suddenly said, 'What did you mean, "at home"?' 'At home?' Jane's mind was so boggled she didn't know what he was talking about. 'You just said she didn't have anyone at home.' Why had she said that foolish thing! Floundering, Jane uttered the first words that came into her head. 'She might have formed an attachment with someone here.'

'Here?' He looked amazed. 'How could she? There isn't anyone. I'm the only single man on the dig, other than Stuart and Guy - and Dr. Vallas,' he added as an afterthought. 'Yes ... there isn't anyone ...as you say.' The words came slowly, reluctantly, and with a feeling of guilt. She wasn't being honest with Tim, and yet how could she warn him? The name fell from her lips, 'Dr. Vallas,' but she stopped instantly. She could not voice her suspicions. For one thing she had no real proof that Pauline was in love with the man - no actual proof, but just her strong womanly instinct… 'Dr. Vallas?' Tim threw back his head and laughed. 'You're a romantic, I can see. Because they're working together you're coupling their names in your mind. How like a woman!' He laughed again, as if it were a huge joke. 'Dr. Vallas is not the marrying kind, for one thing.' 'He isn't?' 'He's reached the age of thirty-five and never even had a serious affair - oh, the odd - er - pillow friend, they call them here, but nothing remotely like a serious courtship. He's married to his work, and will be until he's a doddering old man of ninety!' So much for Pauline's hopes - or was it? Men who were 'not the marrying kind' had fallen victim before now, and Pauline was definitely attractive. She was also useful to him, interested in his work. And she was of an accommodating nature - which would suit Dr. Vallas very well, for he would never tolerate defiance to his wishes or argument with his word. Supposing he did ask Pauline to marry him? what sort of life would she have? Not a very happy one, Jane felt sure, and she thought of the muddle they were all in. Why had they ever had the misfortune to meet Dr. Vallas? - and having met him why had they been so impulsive and imprudent as to join his dig? Here was Pauline, facing either a dreadful hurt or a life of misery; here was Tim, likely to

suffer a hurt also, and as for Jane herself, the memory of this year was one she would wish to forget, and quickly. 'I'm glad I spoke to you,' Tim was saying in a clear and confident tone. 'I can go ahead now and pay some attention to Pauline - though I must be careful and not let Dr. Vallas see or he'll begin to wonder if I'm a potential wife-snatcher.' He laughed at that and then added more seriously, 'Will you wish me luck, Jane?" At the irony of the situation Jane could have cried. She liked Tim enormously, and he didn't deserve to be hurt, but she was helpless and could only say, throwing off her dejection and managing to produce a smile, 'Of course I wish you luck, Tim. But do be careful; don't let anyone else know of our deceit.' 'The secret's safe with me. I'd have to follow if you were all sent home, for I'm having Pauline if it's at all possible.' 'You do believe he'd send us home, then?' Jane was not sure, because apart from the enormous help he received from Pauline, he also received another kind of help from the two men. Altogether there were eleven assistants, not counting the Greek labourers, whose work was almost finished, and if four should go then Dr. Vallas must feel the loss. 'I'm positive. It would be the deceit more than anything that would rile him. He's so honest and straightforward himself that he would not tolerate dishonesty in others.' 'We shouldn't have come,' began Jane when Tim interrupted her.

'I'm jolly glad you did!' And then, as if reflecting his own happy ambitions with Pauline, he asked when the wedding was to be. 'We have to save up first. This year has set us back a little, but at the time we both believed it would be worth it.' 'You postponed your marriage for a year?' He glanced, at her covertly, and added in a curious tone, 'You weren't both dying to get married, then?' 'Dying to? No, of course not.' He shook his head. 'If I loved someone I couldn't wait.' 'We have a lifetime ahead.'' 'There's no time like the present. If Pauline will have me it's marriage instantly!' Frowning, Jane regarded him for a long moment of silence. 'You really mean what you say? - that you couldn't wait?' 'If you're really in love naturally you can't wait—' He broke off, aghast. 'Lord, what an undiplomatic fool I am! Take no notice, Jane. I didn't mean to imply that Stuart isn't in love - Hell, I'm making a terrible, mess of this!' he ended in obvious anger with himself. He was red and uncomfortable; Jane said soothingly, 'Don't look so upset; it's nothing.' But she remained thoughtful, recalling how several of her friends couldn't wait, either. We just want each other, they had all declared when Jane had laughingly inquired about the hurry.

'Thanks, Jane. I hope I'm forgiven for those impulsive words? People are made differently^ It wouldn't do for us all to be alike.' 'No...' Why should she now be in doubt? She loved Stuart and he loved her, so why should she be affected by Tim's unthinking declaration - 'If you're really in love you can't wait'? 'By the way,' said Tim changing the subject, 'what did you mean when you said you thought at the time it would be worth it?' 'I haven't got oh with Dr. Vallas, and so the dig hasn't come up to my expectations.' That clearly puzzled him. 'I just can't understand it. You don't have words, or anything?' 'He finds fault with everything I do. At home I was appreciated, but here I never do a thing right.' His puzzlement increased, and he went on to give all sorts of praise to Nickolas. He had a reputation as a perfectionist and he did go off the deep end at times, but he had tolerance with those who tried, however inexperienced they were. And he would always extend help and advice to those who were willing to accept it… 'Then the fault must lie entirely with me,' returned Jane quietly. 'I've done it again, haven't I? Where's my tact? I'm sure it isn't your fault.' 'And I'm sure it is. I've done something, but I can't put my finger on it. Of course,' she added thoughtfully, 'some people are enemies on sight. They can't stand one another - and that seems to be the case with us.' She glanced at her watch, and stood up. 'We must go back.'

He was troubled and after they had walked a little way he stopped, turning to face her. 'Try to forget it, Jane, that's my advice. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and you mustn't let it be spoiled. Apart from anything else you're gaining the most wonderful experience - working for a man like Dr. Vallas. Enjoy it, for I'm very sure you'll always regret it if you don't take advantage of what's offered.' His face was grave, and as she stood there, musing on his words, Jane knew he was right. She would take advantage of what was offered; she'd forget Nickolas Vallas, who rarely came to her these days, anyway. She would ignore him, and if he should complain she would listen, and then put his complaint right out of her mind. 'I'll do exactly as you say, Tim.' She looked at him, feeling almost lighthearted. 'You've been good for me - and thank you.' 'That's the girl.' For no reason at all he tucked her arm in his, and although Jane instantly pulled away, her action had not been quick enough. Dr. Vallas had noticed, as he came from his office. He stopped, a look of amazement on his face as he watched them walking , over to the site. Jane just had to glance over her shoulder and although she was more than familiar with that look of disdain, it was so strongly portrayed now that she actually started in surprise. Not only disdain on those harsh brown features, but disgust - utter and absolute disgust. She soon recovered, and with her new strong determination to ignore him she lifted her head, bade Tim goodbye, and walked towards the hut in which she worked, her footsteps swift and light.

CHAPTER FOUR DR. VALLAS had arranged everything for his guests, scrupulously affording them every luxury, with rooms booked at a superb hotel overlooking Syntagma Square and taxis provided for sightseeing. Pauline was thrilled with the room she was to share with Jane. As for Jane herself, nothing would have afforded her more satisfaction than to refuse this hospitality, but as always she was bound by the other three. Nevertheless, she could not but share Pauline's enthusiasm over their luxurious accommodation and as she stood behind her, gazing down at the bustling city square below, she was conscious of a rising excitement at the prospect of this week-end in Athens. Their gathering consisted of eight people. Apart from Jane, her companions, and Tim Worthing, there were Sylvia and Richard Robins, and Dr. Vallas himself. On learning of his intention to go with them Jane had been a trifle deflated, because for some reason she had concluded that he would remain on the site. However, with her new armour firmly about her she meant to deflect any unpleasant barbs she might receive from him. From the moment of that little talk with Tim, when she had vowed to take his advice, her life had indeed been happier. Why she should have allowed herself-to be troubled by Nickolas Vallas's dislike she would never know. He had his own reasons for that dislike and she now had no desire to discover what those reasons were. Lately he had left her severely alone and she received her instructions from Miss Gilbert, which suited Jane very well - for she could now give as good as she received, and sometimes she gave a little over for good measure! 'I'd love to get into that bath,' sighed Pauline, gazing longingly at it. 'I feel as if I haven't been really clean for years!' Jane laughed.

'Oh, I don't know. It's rather fun having to improvise. I'm really becoming quite adept at doing my gymnastics in a tiny bowl of water.' ' With a tiny bowl of water, you mean. All you can get in is your feet!' 'Well, we'll certainly get more than our feet in that. What a size!' Jane glanced at her watch. 'I'm not so sure we haven't time for a quick one.' 'Impossible. Lunch is in ten minutes.' 'One of us could. I'll toss you for it.' Pauline agreed, and won. All but her head and shoulders became immersed in bubbles while Jane washed at the basin. Then Jane hurriedly used the dressing-table, brushing and combing her hair and applying a smear of lipstick. Her dress of pale green linen was cool and smart, cut in severe lines and high at the neck. The change from slacks and sweater brought out the entrancing curves of her slender body and revealed a shapely pair of legs and slim ankles. She felt good, and .rather gay as, with a final flick of the comb to her hair, she moved to let Pauline take her place. Pauline was also smart in a flowered dress of cotton, the neckline cut low and the sleeves short. 'Isn't it nice to be a woman again?' She met Jane's gaze in the mirror. Her eyes were glowing and oddly expectant. Jane said quietly, 'You look very lovely, Pauline,' and the eyes became even brighter, bringing a swift frown to Jane's wide brow. Tim was going to be enchanted with her... but it wasn't Tim for whom Pauline was endeavouring to look her very best.

The whole group shared one large table for lunch. Guy with his customary exuberance declared he would rather have gone straight to the Acropolis than waste time on lunch. 'Who wants food at a time like this? - with the most beautiful building in the world waiting just for us!' They had seen it as they drove by taxi to the hotel, the majestic Parthenon, standing on the citadel of the Acropolis, dominating the skyline. 'You'll appreciate it all the more, on a full stomach,' remarked Nickolas practically, his eyes fleetingly resting on Jane. Ignoring him, she concentrated on her food, and as they waited for the Second course Nickolas spoke again, telling them what plans he had made. Taxis were available to take them to the Acropolis, and later they could if they wished use them to tour the city. Later still they were to dine at a taverna in the Plaka, and then there would be a visit to a night-club for those who wished to go. 'I'm not telling you to do all this,' he added. 'You must please yourselves. After all, it's your treat - my gift of appreciation for the excellent assistance most of you have given me.' Jane ignored the implication, though a tint of colour infused her cheeks. She thought of the diadem, which had not been ruined after all. It was to be repaired, and in so expert a way that it would again look perfect. Miss Gilbert had been given a piece of Jane's mind for leading her to believe the diadem was irreparably damaged. An hour later, the taxi having dropped them in the Plaka, they were walking through cypress groves, following the curve of the wall and climbing all the time until they reached the high rock that was the Acropolis. Walking round to the west side they entered the world of marble through the Propylaea, a great ceremonial gateway flanked by side wings. The massive columns of this entrance to the most famous of all Greek citadels had through the centuries become oxidized to a

rich golden brown, but it was not difficult to imagine them in all their shining white splendour, a splendour which typified the Classical Age in Greek Architecture. Despite the time of the year there were many people on the sacred rock, but no vast crowds as would be seen in the height of the season. Sylvia and Richard, who had been married only a few months, strolled off on their own, hands clasped. The others stayed together, expectantly waiting for Dr. Vallas to give them a little talk. But he spoke neither as a guide nor a lecturer. His information came conversationally as he naturally talked first of the Mycenaean occupation of Athens. The Mycenaeans were at the height of their power during the fifteenth and fourteenth centuries B.C., about a thousand years before the Classical Age buildings that now occupied the Acropolis. There was evidence in plenty that this jutting crag was once the Mycenaean citadel of Theseus, that brave warrior-adventurer who became a wise and magnanimous ruler of Athens. Nickolas directed their attention to the portion of a Mycenaean wall close to the Temple of Athene Nike; he told them of Broneer's exciting discoveries which included the stairway, seven flights of rough stone steps leading down through a rock cleft to a fountain over a hundred feet below. "This was almost exact in detail to the underground approach to the water supply at Mycenae,' he explained. 'And so there's no possible doubt that this one here was also constructed by the Mycenaeans. We know also that it was an emergency measure because of the wood used, which is of course perishable, and at this time - the thirteenth century now - the Dorians were invading the land, so naturally Athens^ the mighty city-state, would be making preparations for a siege.'

As he spoke even Jane was enthralled, and she was forced to admit that although as a man Nickolas left a great deal to be desired, as an archaeologist he was brilliant. He knew so much about those ancient peoples and their way of life that it would seem he had exhausted every avenue of knowledge, but he went on seeking information, adding scraps here and there, and in the book on which he was now engaged there must inevitably be something new and exciting to be read. Jane's eyes wandered to the lovely buildings around her - the charming little Temple of Nike, built in the Classical Age but with the actual site housing a temple of a much earlier cult; the Erectheum, from whose porch Lord Elgin took one of the sue Caryatids - though had he been able to remove it he would have stolen the whole porch! Then there was that superlative temple to the goddess Athena, the Parthenon, the show-piece of the Athenians' imperial success. It was lavishly decorated with sculpture, fragments of this remaining on the pediments and metopes. Other fragments were in the nearby museum, but the finest were in the British Museum, sold by Lord Elgin, whose excuse for the thefts was that he was preserving priceless art from the vandalism of the Turks. Nickolas as he spoke did not mention this art collector who had so often been reviled, but naturally his listeners were thinking of these robberies, and quite impulsively Jane said to Guy, 'Why don't we give them back? Wouldn't it be a wonderful gesture?' He raised his brows, reminding her of the disparaging remark she had made when Nickolas had mentioned in his lecture that treasures of Greece have found their way into most museums of the world. She flushed, remembering how she had always declared the Elgin Marbles to be safer in the museum than in the corroding air of modern Athens,

and wondering why she would now like to see them back where they belonged. Nickolas had heard her remark and he turned his head; Jane's eyes encountered his for one fleeting moment and then she moved, turning her back on Nickolas and speaking to Stuart and Tim. But even as she did this she could almost feel his eyes boring into her; she smiled to herself. An insult - turning her back on him like that, but it would do him the world of good. 'The frieze,' she heard him saying in a voice that had become suddenly harsh, 'depicted the Panathenaic procession which every four years made its way up through the Propylaea to bring a new robe to the goddess Athena... The rest was lost as Stuart whispered in Jane's ear, 'Darling, I haven't kissed you for years! Come over there and let's have a couple of minutes' romance in the temple.' Jane did not know why she frowned, or why she had no enthusiasm for her fiance's suggestion. 'We can't go off and leave the others,' she said. 'You seem to forget that Guy is supposed to be my husband.' 'But we're just a party here; it wouldn't look odd if we strolled away, ostensibly to wander among the ruins. Sylvia and Richard have.' 'They're married.' He gave a smothered little laugh. 'What difference does that make?'

She looked up at him. 'Has it never occurred to you that Dr. Vallas might come to guess that Guy is not my husband after all? He's no fool, Stuart, and he's seen us together more than once. Should he suspect that there's something between you and me he'd instantly get on to the idea of what we've done,' 'I see.' He glanced at her strangely. 'And then he'd send us all home?' 'Exactly.' 'But you want to go home.' He spoke slowly and deliberately, still regarding her with that odd expression. 'You're staying only because of a sense of loyalty to us. Should . we all be sacked you would automatically be freed of your obligation.' Jane said nothing and he added, 'You'd welcome that, surely?' She looked, down at her hands, her thoughts muddled. Was that what she wanted? She had been so relieved when Tim declared his intention of keeping silent about what he had learned. At the time she had believed her relief stemmed from her thought for the others ... but now she was not sure. And why was her mind filled with doubt over her engagement to Stuart? - the doubt which had assailed her several times since Tim had declared that 'If you're really in love you can't wait.' 'Supposing we were sent home,' she murmured, raising her eyes. 'Should we be married right away?' 'What an odd thing to ask. We have to save up; we've both agreed on that.' 'If I worked we could save just the same.' Most of her friends had done that, putting off the raising of a family until they had a home and all the necessities that go with it.

Stuart seemed unable to comment, and she looked up, searching his face ... for what? She saw a frown between his eyes, and an unfamiliar tightness about his mouth. And Jane knew she should have seen eagerness, delight at her suggestion. 'If you're really in love you can't wait.' But I haven't minded waiting, either, she mused, experiencing a sudden fear. Were they really in love? They had known each other a mere two months when they became engaged - but that didn't mean a thing. Tim would become engaged tomorrow if Pauline would have him. Of course we're in love. We never quarrel, and always I get my own way. Perhaps, she thought inconsistently, she should have had other love affairs, in which case she would have been able to compare, to know for sure that this was it. But she had been too absorbed in her work until she met Stuart when on a dig with Guy. Had he swept her off her feet? An unconscious shake of her head accompanied this silent question. Had his kisses ever sent her into that rapturous realm of excitement and longing? Her fear increased. How could she shake off these doubts? Why did Tim's unthinking words keep on hammering at her brain ? Other couples wait, she told herself desperately. But were they really in love ? 'So we're not going into the temple?' Stuart's words broke into her thoughts and she suddenly knew she must do as he asked. It was like flying immediately one had had a crash landing, she told herself agitatedly - in this way she could throw off her fear ... and these doubts that were beginning to weigh her down. 'Yes, I'll come with you.'

He started in surprise. 'How tantalizing you are these days, Jane. I'm beginning to wonder if the air of Greece is affecting you in some adverse way.' But he smiled at her, and they began to walk away from the group who were avidly absorbing all that Nickolas had to say to them. That his dark contemptuous eyes would follow her and Stuart Jane had no doubt; what she didn't know was that those eyes returned to the pretty girl standing just a little too close to him, and that the look he had for her was one of deepest sympathy. In the little temple, alone and hidden from view, Stuart and Jane embraced. She lifted her face, eager, and yet still afraid. Bending his head, Stuart kissed her, his lips soft and warm. She responded, but as on a previous occasion she experienced a lack of fulfilment. Something was missing - had always been missing, Jane knew this now. In a, void of bewilderment she sought for this vague elusive thing even while her fiance's arms fell swiftly away from her. 'People,' he whispered, and she looked over her shoulder. 'Oh, well, we've all the time in the world.' Jane stood there, frozen. All the time in the world.... 'If you're really in love. ...' Tim's words again, in complete contradiction to those spoken by Stuart. Stuart was looking at her, oblivious of anything unusual in her manner. Perhaps she did not show it, but she was weighed down again by fear and uncertainty, and she could not speak, because she knew instinctively that Stuart would fail to understand.

A pale sun shone through the clouds as they all came down from the Acropolis and made their way through the Agora, the commercial centre of ancient Athens, and where in one corner stood the magnificent temple dedicated to Hephaestos, the Greek god of craftsmen and smiths. 'Did they have a god for everything?' asked Pauline looking up at Nickolas. They were walking together, the path being narrow at this point. The others were also walking in twos. 'Yes; Pauline, they had a god for every angle thing.' Jane's eyes widened. Pauline. ... No wonder she was optimistic; not even Miss Gilbert was addressed by her Christian name. Jane began to wonder if Pauline would suggest they tell Nickolas the truth, for she knew her 'marriage' was an obstacle to the advancement of her desires. Still gazing soulfully up at Nickolas, Pauline trod on a small boulder and would have fallen had not Nickolas caught her in time. 'My - ankle!' she gasped, making no effort to disengage herself from Nickolas's arms. 'I think I've sprained it.' Nickolas sat her down on the grassy bank and turned his head. 'Mr. Dyson,' he snapped, 'will you come and attend to your wife?' 'Yes, of course.' Leaving Jane's side Stuart went forward to his sister, bending down and taking her foot in his hand. 'Are you hurt, dear?' he asked, and Jane gave a sigh. What a tangle they were all in! Everyone had crowded round, concern on their faces. If Pauline's ankle was sprained then her weekend would be ruined.

'Yes, Stuart, it does hurt - terribly.' But the lovely eyes were raised to Nickolas. Clearly she would have preferred him to tend her, thought Jane, watching his face. Anxiety had.softened it in the most unbelievable way and she caught her breath, recalling for no apparent reason the deep emotional disturbance she had experienced the moment she set eyes on Nickolas. . Pauline could not put her weight on her left foot; after examining it Nickolas diagnosed nothing more serious than a wrenched muscle, which would keep her in this evening, but would become less painful after the rest. Finally, with a sharp glance at Stuart, he said she must be carried. 'We'll make a chair,' suggested Tim, coming forward. This was done and Pauline was carried down to the main avenue where a couple of taxis were called. 'I'm so sorry,' she said, looking at her brother. 'Your evening is spoiled too.' Pauline's own bitter disappointment at having to remain in was evident in the droop of her mouth. 'Mine?' . 'You're supposed, to be her husband,' said Jane in a dry tone. 'So you'll be expected to stay in with her.' Guy looked commiseratingly at his friend. 'That's damned hard luck, Stuart.' As Nickolas was in the other taxi, and as Tim made the fifth in theirs, the four could speak freely. 'Jane won't want to go out without me,' said Stuart with confidence. 'So that makes three of us who'll be missing the dinner and night-club.'

'You forget Jane is supposed to be my wife,' Guy put in. 'Dr. Vallas will expect her to go out with me.' Tim was seated next to Pauline, his good-natured face anxious, his arm stretched along the back of Pauline's seat. 'I'll stay in with her,' he offered, but Jane was shaking her head. 'Wouldn't do, Tim. Dr. Vallas would certainly look askance at her "husband" leaving her with you.' 'I suppose he would,' Tim reluctantly agreed after a gloomy pause. 'But what can we do?' 'I'll stay in, and you can all go out.' 'No, Jane,' protested Pauline. 'You can't miss all the fun. I'll stay in on my own.' Jane offered no further argument; nevertheless, she was determined to stay in, for it was the simplest method of solving the problem. However, it would appear that Tim was not so easily defeated, because when they all met in the lounge half an hour later he said, his face assuming a rather wooden expression, 'I don't think I'll join you this evening. I've a most abominable headache.' 'A—?' Jane stopped perceptively, her glance straying to Pauline, sitting there, pale and fragile - and blissfully ignorant of what went on in the minds of Jane and Tim. Nickolas said with some concern, 'You'll probably feel better after a while. Do you take tablets?' Tim shook his head.

'Don't agree with me.' His face retained its wooden expression-and he deliberately avoided Jane's eyes. 'I'd rather stay in.' The merest pause and then, 'I can keep Pauline company, and that will leave her husband free to go out.' 'Her husband,' said Nickolas tersely, 'will, I am sure, prefer to remain here with his wife.' A challenge, but also an order, subtly given. Catching his gaze, Jane frowned, wondering why he should choose this moment to subject her to one of his contemptuous stares. And as his gaze then moved to Stuart, she actually gave a start, for her fiance received an even more contemptuous stare. Although put out, Stuart sensibly decided there was nothing for it but to agree to stay with Pauline. Nickolas's mouth curved triumphantly and Jane's eyes widened. Triumph? But why? What was the matter with the man? As Tim did not change his mind about going out it meant that only five of them dined in the taverna. From where they sat the illuminated temples on the Acropolis reared themselves against a velvet sky, with overhead a crescent moon floating in soundless elegance as clouds passed unceasingly across it. Dancers and folk-musicians performing under the canopy of vines lent an exotic air to the night, and Jane found herself caught in a web of unreality. Nickolas chatted with Guy whom he had liked from the first, extending to him an odd sort of sympathy which Jane had put down to his eagerness for knowledge. Sylvia and Richard were also liked by Nickolas, and often Jane was left entirely out of the conversation. She began to regret having come, and yet on the other hand she enjoyed the setting and the food and the warm Eastern magic of the night.

When ,the meal was over and they had sat for a long while watching the dancers in their colourful costumes performing the Greek dances with graceful agility Nickolas asked if they wanted to visit the night club. Sylvia and Richard were enthusiastic, but Jane suddenly felt treed and said without thinking, 'I'm going back to the hotel.' 'You are?' Guy also spoke without thinking. ''Okay, Jane, I'll see you at breakfast.' The other couple stared; Nickolas's face was a study: 'At breakfast?" Aware of his mistake, Guy flushed. 'Jane will be asleep when I get in.' 'You're not returning to the hotel with your wife?' A challenging glance was sent in his sister's direction as Guy said, 'Do you want me to return to the hotel with you?' She bit her lip, realizing she must now go to the night club - or disappoint Guy, whose anger was already apparent. But before she had time to speak Nickolas said that as he himself had no intention of visiting the night club he would escort Jane back to the hotel. 'Are you sure?' Relief crossed Guy's face; he was obviously keen not to miss anything that was going. 'That's fine, then.' He glanced at Richard. 'You don't mind if I tag along with you two?' 'Of course not.'

The prospect of a taxi drive with Nickolas being far from pleasant, Jane began to mumble something about changing her mind, but they had all risen and were saying good night to Nickolas, and her words were lost Before she quite knew it the three were walking away and she was alone with Nickolas. Vaguely she was aware of leaving the taverna, the music and the dancing, and then they were out in the street, and she paused, expecting her companion to hail a taxi. 'Do you mind if we walk?' he asked coldly. 'It isn't far, and I prefer to walk for a change.' She shrugged. If he preferred it she really had no choice but to agree, although the idea of a silent, uncomfortable walk filled her with dismay. The lights from the Acropolis shone high above them as they traversed the narrow streets. She had to say something. 'It - it looks very pretty.' No comment from Nickolas and they continued in silence for a few more minutes. 'Are you allowed to go up there at night?' Again it was for something to say, and she hadn't meant to convey the idea that she would like to go up to the rock. 'Do you want to go up?' An odd quality in his voice set her flesh tingling. 'You said you were tired.' 'I am.' A small pause. 'Pity. It's a beautiful night.'

Jane turned and almost stopped, a gasp of incredulity breaking from her lips. He couldn't want to walk with her! And yet she had to ask, in a stammering, hesitant voice, 'Did y-you want t-to go up there?' 'I wouldn't mind going part way - along the route we took this morning, through the cypress grove.' The cypress grove would be lonely and dark tonight ... a place for lovers but certainly not for strangers, and especially for strangers with such dislike as existed between Nickolas and herself. Why had he suggested such a thing? That tingling sensation encompassed her again - and yet she did not regard it as a warning, profound as it was. Nor did she do what she ought to have done — ignored his suggestion. They were walking slowly, amid noise and lights and people, masses of people. Yet she, saw nothing and no one... except this man beside her. She forgot the existence of people like Stuart and Guy and Pauline; she forgot all the things she had said and thought about this man, forgot her vow to ignore him. Some magnetic force seemed to hold her in its grip, rendering her helpless while an inevitable fate advanced upon her, depriving her of reason, caution, and even the desire to escape this fate. Her throat felt dry, and a huskiness entered her voice as she said, 'I don't mind if we go through the cypress grove.' He was silent for a moment and she looked up to meet a dark unfathomable gaze. 'So you're not tired, after all?' An unknown quality in his tone, a depth of meaning she did not understand.

'I've freshened up; it must be the breeze, for I'm not at all sleepy any more.' She smiled at him, wondering at this dream-like state in which she found herself, and wondering also at the miraculous change in her companion. The idea that his dislike had evaporated sufficiently for him to wish to extend their walk suffused her whole being with warmth. She seemed lifted to the stars and had no immediate desire to feel the earth beneath her feet. 'Then we'll go up into the cypress grove.' No emotion, just a cool statement, but Jane was strangely happy. And as she walked beside him, skipping now and then to keep pace, she knew that his dislike had troubled her exceedingly, and pride alone had blinded her to the fact. They climbed, leaving the lights and the people and the noise. The cypress grove abounded with fragments . of-columns, marble pavements and statue bases, partly covered by the vegetation growing under the trees. It was a sacred and a gentle place and as they penetrated more deeply into it the breeze died down and the air became soft and still. 'It's all so ... silent;' She whispered unconsciously and he gave a soft laugh. How different he was! She could sense it. What had happened to bring about the change? She neither knew nor cared, dazed as she was by this bewildering sense of unreality. He stopped, looking up at the rose-quartz lights on the Acropolis, and naturally Jane stopped too, standing close and lifting her face to follow the direction of his gaze. He glanced down after a while and looked into her face, examining it in the reflected light from above. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes shaded and mysterious beneath long dark lashes. 'You're... beautiful ...''

Jane gave a little gasp, but caught by this strange magnetism she could not move away - nor was she warned. And the next moment she was in his arms, poignantly moved by his physical nearness, and as her lips eventually responded to the demand of his, a startling revelation swept over her. That tide of emotion' experienced at their first meeting had been the preliminary to love! - the germ which, had their paths never crossed again, would have withered and died, leaving no trace of its existence. But their paths had crossed, and the germ had grown and flourished, even though unnurtured. And she now knew what was missing in her relationship with Stuart; they were friends and companions, sharing a similar interest — but they were not in love. Presently Nickolas held her away from him and she caught her breath at his smile and the softened expression of his face. So he also accepted his inevitable fate. Her cheeks took on an even rosier hue, and her lovely lashes were lowered, for a deep shyness engulfed her. What must be said, after all their animosity towards one another? Should she ask timidly for an explanation, or must she wait for Nickolas to do the talking? First, though, she must inform him of her single state. But she was drawn to him again; she? felt his strength, and an urgency that frightened yet excited her. And in this new excitement she realized that Nickolas had awakened her to the knowledge of vital depths of which she had hitherto been unaware. 'You're so lovely, so desirable ...' His lips caressed her cheeks and her neck and her hair. 'No wonder they all—' He broke off and she frowned, pulling a little away from him, a sudden unaccountable fear clutching at her heart.

'Nickolas ... what were you going to say?" She searched his face in the dim light, fancying she had surprised a harshness there but seeing only a smile on his lips and admiration in his eyes. 'Say? Nothing that matters to you and me just now.' He still held her as he glanced around. 'Where, my beauty? It isn't cold, but the grass will be damp.' He laughed and kissed her burning cheek. 'Had I known I'd have brought an overcoat, but no matter. We'll find a warm and sheltered spotJane wrenched herself completely free, pressing cool hands to her cheeks and staring up at him unbelievingly. It wasn't possible! He couldn't think that of her. She had never by look or word given him cause to do so. But he did think that of her - she could see it in his face. 'How dare you! How can you have formed such an impression of me—?' 'Oh, come,' he drawled in some amusement, 'there's no necessity for an act. I've known what you were from the first.' 'From—?' Bewilderedly she shook her head, anger for the moment submerged. 'I don't know what you're talking about? Tears filled her eyes. Was it mere seconds ago that she had responded to his kisses, after making the startling discovery that she had begun to love him from the moment he walked on to that platform? 'How - how did you get an idea like that?' She pressed the back of her hand against her lips to hide their trembling, and Nickolas frowned as he looked at her, and hesitated as if in a state of doubt. But it was not for long. 'So we're to have a little dissembling, are we?" He eyed her mockingly. 'A scene, with protests and perhaps even a fight? It suits me—'

'You're detestable!' Fury rising above her hurt, she regarded him through blazing eyes. 'No one has ever insulted me in such a way before! I hate you - hate you, do you hear! And if I were a man I'd - I'd kill you!' He laughed. 'If you were a man, my dear, this situation would never have arisen. Come,' he added, his whole manner changing, 'drop all this fuss, for I don't believe I shall find it amusing, after all.' She glanced around. How dark it was, and lonely - and with no one to hear any call she might make for help, Jane was afraid. So sinister he was - in fast, to her terrified imagination he appeared almost Satanic, for the lights above had been suddenly extinguished and what small glimmer came from the moon was masked by the scudding clouds. So still it all was, this hush pf night, and motionless air, with the inky outlines of the cypress trees towering and unstirring, like sentinels on watch. Ghosts of the past and the spirits of heathen gods seemed all around and she shuddered. What madness had impelled her to come up here with Nickolas? Under what intangible spell had she fallen that her natural caution had failed to assert itself? The man beside her moved and her heart jerked. Never in her life had she been in such a dangerous position as this. She must humour him, be humble and beseeching. ... In a small, hollow voice she said, 'I can't believe you're a man like that.'' Again he laughed. 'All men are like that.' 'All Greeks, perhaps....'

'W-well, all g-girls are not like that.' She looked up, pleading, but of course he failed to read her expression. 'Please take me back to the hotel.' He uttered a little sound of impatience. 'I've just said, Jane, cut out the fuss.' Caution fled. Her small fists clenched and her voice quivered with anger. 'Don't you dare call me Jane! And I am not fussing! I said I want to go back to the hotel and I mean it!' Nickolas was taken aback; he appeared to be frowning darkly. 'What's the matter with you?' he demanded. .'This is what you wanted—' 'I ... wanted?' For an uncomprehending moment Jane could only stare. 'I don't know what you mean?' A half-smothered exclamation of impatience, and then, 'You urged me to come up here—' 'What!' 'Well, didn't you?' 'It was your suggestion that we came this way.' 'If I remember rightly you asked me if I wanted to come this way.' 'Only after you yourself had suggested we do so.'

'What's the difference? You wanted me to bring you up here - and the reason was obvious--' 'You hateful, disgusting creature!' she interrupted furiously. 'I thought you wanted the longer walk, and I obliged, but - but - Oh, I don't know how you've reached a conclusion like that!' And Jane burst into , tears. She tried to think, and realized she displayed no reluctance to come up here ... she had wanted to walk with Nickolas, and he misunderstood. Yes, she had no doubts now as to what went on in his head when she had all unconsciously asked if one was allowed up here at night. And the odd tone he had used, resulting in that tingling sensation which should automatically have turned on the warning light. The Greeks were reputed to be the most amorous race in the world. She should have been on her guard. But how was she to know he had that sort of opinion of her? To all outward appearances she was a respectable married woman - Jane caught her breath and a sudden trembling seized her as perception flashed blindingly through her brain. Stuart! Nickolas had seen them together several times, coming from the secluded little grove, or smiling at one another, or he could even have seen Stuart dropping a light kiss on her cheek on one occasion, or holding her arm.... And all she had been worried about was that he would come to guess She was not married, and there was an understanding between Stuart and herself. He had guessed at the understanding ... but he had not guessed that she was unmarried ! Jane now knew what he was going to say a few minutes ago when he suddenly broke off. 'No wonder they all—' All? Jane frowned in the darkness. All - Tim! Guy, Stuart and Tim! The blood coursed through her veins and her whole body was on fire. She recalled that moment when on finding herself in his arms she had failed to extricate herself as quickly as she

should No wonder Nickolas had brought her here expecting expecting— Jane witched her thoughts, dwelling despairingly on the discovery she had so recently made. And to think that she had believed Nickolas was in love too. In love. ... It was something very different that had prompted those kisses. There was no hope for her, no light, and it suddenly struck her that this was a punishment, a punishment for her unfaithfulness to Stuart and her lack of consideration for Pauline, who loved Nickolas and hoped he would reciprocate. ... Jane's eyes widened. All he felt for Pauline was compassion! He saw her as the poor unsuspecting wife of an unfaithful husband, a woman betrayed by her best friend. That was the reason for his kindness towards Pauline, Jane was sure of this. A trembling sigh fell from her lips; in the- blackness she tried to find the path, but to her dismay Nickolas had taken hold of her again and she found herself struggling to avoid that demanding mouth. 'I'm not like that - I'm not! Oh, you'll regret it if - if— You'll never forgive yourself when you eventually learn the truth, believe me!'He released her, and the stillness became profound. What was he thinking? If only she could see .his face! His expression would have surprised her. 'What is the truth? Tell me now. I order you to tell me!' How strange His voice, as if he too were suffering! 'What an odd notion; the man was frustrated, nothing more. ! 'It's impossible, at the present time, to tell you the truth. But I'm not pretending, or saying this in order to get myself out of this situation unscathed. I mean it when I say you'll be sorry.'

Another long silence followed her words, while the blackness seemed to become more and more intense with every moment that passed. 'Mrs. Bryant,' said Nickolas at last, 'you're a married woman; you have just responded to my kisses, which I naturally took for encouragement. Why this sudden outcry? Surely you're not endeavouring to convince me of your innocence?' A subtle reference to Stuart - and perhaps even to Tim - in that hatefully-phrased question and, burning with anger and humiliation, Jane could only manage a quivering request to be taken back to the hotel. Breathlessly she waited, sagging with relief when he said, coolly and without the least sign of rancour, 'Certainly, Mrs. Bryant. If we walk back the way we came we can get a taxi.'

CHAPTER FIVE EXCITEMENT ran high as, after the removal of the treasures and skeletal remains from the main chamber, it was discovered that in two pits under the chamber, .other burials had taken place. As at various times this lower level had been below the water table, a thick deposit of rock rubble and silt covered the greater part of the tomb. Jane was working with a trowel, removing soil with infinite care and collecting it up with a brush and tray as she went along. Not far away others were similarly employed, keeping the ground level all over the tomb. An odd bone turned up now and then, and a few potsherds, but it was on a much more interesting find that Jane was now concentrating. There was no cataloguing to be done, and for this reason she had been put on this more interesting work. The object she had come across was gold and the impulse to dig in the point of the trowel was strong, but this must not be done. All earth must be meticulously scraped away, no matter how long the operation took. Deeply absorbed in her task, she suddenly became aware of someone standing close, and she glanced up. Nickolas, clad in black jeans and a black sweater, one hand thrust negligently into his pocket. 'You've found something?' Nodding, Jane lowered her head again, fearing he would now take her off this work, as the find was obviously precious. 'It's just come to light. We must be getting down to the level of the remains.' 'Have you any idea what it is?' Nickolas rarely spoke to her; she felt awkward when he did.

'I thought at first it was a gold bead, but now I know it's something larger than that.' He went down on his hands and knees to examine the object; he was too close for comfort. From the night of her discovery he had caused her many a quickened heartbeat. She longed for the day when he could be put in possession of the truth - and yet that would be the day on which they would say goodbye for ever. Rising at length, he brushed the earth from his hands. Jane waited a little breathlessly for his verdict; his expression remained thoughtful and she knew instinctively he was in fact debating on whether or not to take her off this work. 'Can I continue here?' she could not help saying impulsively. 'I'll be very careful.' Still undecided, he did not -answer at once, but eventually he agreed to let her carry on with what she was doing. He spoke in his customary curt unsmiling manner and left her without uttering one unnecessary word. Jane resumed her task of scraping away the soil, her mind no longer on the tantalizing object from which, because the site must be kept level, she must now move away. Recollections of that night came crowding in, as they so often did, to bring her hurt and humiliation. To have responded to his kisses ... no wonder he despised her, but little did he know that for those ecstatic few moments she had completely forgotten that she was 'married', or even engaged. But she should have remembered, portraying horrified indignation; and in all fairness she could not blame Nickolas for scorning her, or for his surprise when she had endeavoured to convince him she was not like that at all. Since that night he had practically ignored her, and although she was thankful for this, his indifference was like salt in an open wound. If only they had not come here …

So many times those words had been repeated - and yet she dreaded the day when she would leave, never to see Nickolas again. But she could not now marry Stuart, and she felt sure she would not have married him in any case, assailed as she was by doubts which had become weightier with every day that had passed. But how was she to tell him? She had made an endeavour, once, to break it to him that her feelings were not the same as when she became engaged; he had brushed it off, saying she was not feeling well, but had added darkly, 'If I really did think you were serious, Jane, I'd pack up and leave here, and to the devil with the others.' There was nothing for Jane to do but leave the matter in abeyance, and her position was made easier by the fact that she and Stuart now never went off alone. Naturally she had not informed the others of what had transpired, but even so she managed to convince Stuart that Nickolas suspected them of having an affair. 'What makes you say that?' he asked, frowning. 'Something he said. We mustn't be seen going off alone again.' 'What did he say?' As she could not answer that truthfully Jane told a white lie. 'I can't remember, but I know for sure he suspects us of - well, being too friendly. After all,' she added when he would have interrupted, Sve are both supposed to be married to someone else.' 'Yes,' he agreed at last, shrugging resignedly. 'Oh, well, we can pull up the lost time later.'

She was glad he took it this way, but the fact of his doing so without even a grumble more than proved that his love for her was not strong, and she would have no qualms about breaking the engagement when the opportune time arrived. The following day she and Pauline had the afternoon off and they decided to clean out the two huts. They began on their own and had not been working long when Pauline stopped what she was doing and said, in a happy, dreamy sort of tone, 'Jane, do you think there's any hope for me with Nickolas?' Jane, who had been taking the sheet out of her sleeping bag, slowly straightened up, the colour leaving her face. 'Hope?' 'I might be a fool, but - I'm in love with him.' Jane swallowed hard. She scarcely knew 'what to say. 'Are you sure?' 'Sure I'm in love? Of course I'm sure. I'm so in love that it-hurts.' 'He believes you're married.' Pauline stared through the open door. Nickolas was standing only a few feet away, examining something he held in his hand. "We've only a few months to go, and then I can tell him the truth.' A bitter smile curved Jane's lips. They were both eager to acquaint Nickolas with the truth, but for different reasons. Jane hoped merely to gain his respect, but Pauline hoped to gain his love. A deep sigh fell

from Jane's lips; she said gently, 'When he does learn that you're not married, - what are you expecting?' Bringing her gaze from the man outside, Pauline looked a little fearfully at her companion. 'I just hope, all the time^that he's falling in love with me. Oh, I know he would fight against it, believing me to be married, but like me, he might not be able to help himself.' She paused a moment. 'What I'm really expecting is that when he does learn the truth he'll be thrilled, relieved …''

(

Jane shook her head sadly. 'He's reputed to be a confirmed bachelor, Pauline, and I do think you'd be wise to forget him.' Pauline looked at her sharply. 'How can I? You don't seem to have taken in what I said. I'm in love with him.' A tightness gripped Jane's throat again. 'Supposing he isn't thrilled, relieved?' Fear and consternation looked out of Pauline's eyes. 'I'd die of a broken heart,' she returned tragically. 'I mean it, Jane, I shan't want to live if he doesn't love me.' 'Nicholas - does he - appear to care?' 'I can't tell. He'd be too honourable to show it, believing me to be married, but I feel he likes me - oh, he does like me! I have evidence of it every single day!' 'You have? Pauline nodded. 'He's so attentive and kind, and he looks at me with a sort of — of —'longing.'

Could it be longing? wondered Jane. She had surmised he was sympathetic, Relieving Pauline to be a wronged wife, but Jane had no actual proof of this. In any case, wasn't pity akin to love? 'You'll just have to wait, Pauline, and see what happens when you tell him you're free.' 'I can hardly wait - and yet I must, and in fact I really want to because he'll have more time to fall in love with me. If we were to disclose what we've done now he might be so angry he'd send me home as well.' 'Tim was sure he'd send us all home.' 'Tim should know.' She paused a moment. 'He's nice, don't you think?' 'Very ... and he seems exceedingly fond of you.' Poor Tim, he had tried so hard, but naturally Pauline scarcely noticed him and he had recently told Jane he was beginning to despair of ever winning her. 'He is fond of me, but I can't do with his fussing - rushing to get me a chair, and asking if I'm warm, or tired. Why does he fuss like that?' ended Pauline with a frown. 'Perhaps,' replied Jane guardedly, 'he's falling in love with you.' 'He needn't waste his time. Why, there's no comparison !' 'He doesn't know you're in love with Nickolas, remember. He probably believes he has a chance.' 'Well, he hasn't.' A note of irritability entered Pauline's voice. 'If only he'd come out into the open I could tell him.'

'Without encouragement he'll never come out in the open, men don't declare their love unless they have at least an inkling that their love will be returned.' Pauline's eyes strayed to the door. They became pensive and dreamy and it was evident that Tim was already forgotten. How was it all going to end? Three broken hearts and a broken engagement? It seemed very much like it. So enthusiastic they had all been when, cm Jane having crushed her slight misgivings, they had all sat over tankards of beer discussing the projected dig in which they were to take part. Little they guessed what fate had in store - for three of them at least. Guy, it would appear, would be the only one coming out of this unscathed.

Activity in the tomb was intensified as the days- passed, and excitement ran high as each new find was uncovered and at last Nickolas was examining the skeletal remains. These were of a man, and a young girl of about six or seven years of age. With the king, and the child who was most probably his little daughter, lay an abundance of jewellery and other treasures. Golden dress and hair ornaments brought gasps from the girls; bronze swords and other weapons decorated with ivory and gold brought appreciative exclamations from the men. There were numerous beautifully engraved vases and exquisite bowls carved from rock crystal, their handles elaborately shaped into the heads of birds and animals. •A certain sadness crept into the rejoicing and enthusiasm. Round the little girl's head had been placed a beautiful diadem in gold, and round her throat was a necklace of amethyst and cornelian beads, each one finely engraved.

But it was the small object which Jane found that provided the supreme pathos. It was a golden ball, engraved most exquisitely with leaves, and inside were some small pebbles or hard seeds. 'A plaything,' smiled Nickolas, handling it with a strange kind of reverence as his mouth softened into ,a rather sad smile. 'The child's rattle from when she was a baby, placed there by her mother, most probably.' 'All that time ago...' breathed Jane softly. 'How long, Dr. Vallas?' She put the question unthinkingly, and was half expecting to have it ignored. But he said, echoing her own softness of tone, 'Three thousand years, Mrs. Bryant. After three thousand years you have picked this up.' It was a frightening, breathtaking thought. Probably no one had ever touched that rattle since the little princess's mother had lovingly and sadly laid it down beside her. Automatically Jane shook it. 'It makes quite a noise.' She forgot the antagonism for a space as she shook it again, more gently this time, and a small laugh broke from her lips. 'I expect the little princess's parents often told her to be a little quieter.' 'I expect they did,' said Nickolas in agreement, and Jane looked up quickly, wondering that he should trouble to speak to her in this way. But after a moment she thought she understood. This new work in which she was engaged brought her into closer contact with Nickolas, and she supposed he felt obliged to affect a superficial friendliness towards her for the benefit of the others.

'Imagine them knowing about bronze.' Pauline was standing by the table on which some of the treasure was spread out. 'This sword's beautiful.' 'The Mycenaeans happened to be a late Bronze Age people.' A strange sharpness in Nickolas's tone brought Jane's eyes to his face again. It was the first time she had ever heard impatience enter his voice when he spoke to Pauline. 'They even knew about iron - although at that time they would regard it as a precious metal.' Pauline flushed and fell silent, although she sent Nickolas a fluttering glance from under her lashes. She looked quite adorable, thought Jane, feeling it was more than possible that Nickolas might be attracted by her, and wondering what she herself would feel if he did; 'When did the decline of the Mycenaeans come about?' Guy wanted to know, taking the sword from Pauline's hands. 'By about one thousand B.C. the Mycenaean civilization had disappeared.' Stuart shook his head. 'It's difficult to believe a civilization such as theirs could disappear.' 'Others ^invade.' Nickolas shrugged. 'This has happened throughout history, and will continue to happen.' A tiny golden goddess stood by Jane's hand and she picked it up. Guy bent his head and examined it with her. 'Is it right that the Mycenaeans gave pre-eminence to the female - that they thought more of the goddess than the god, I mean?' 'That's correct. ' For some reason Nickolas glanced at Jane, and a distinctly sardonic inflection edged his voice as he went on to add,

quite unnecessarily, Jane thought, 'But with the end of the Mycenaeans we enter a reverse state of affairs. Male dominancy came into being with the Dorian invaders and for the last three thousand years we have been conditioned to the idea of this male dominancy.' Guy grimaced. 'I'm not so sure that holds today. Rapid changes are taking place. It wouldn't surprise me if we aren't entering an era when the female will once again become dominant.' Nickolas looked straight at him. 'In the West, perhaps,' he conceded with an air of disinterest. 'But this change will never be effected in the East - and most certainly not in Greece.' Pauline glanced swiftly at him, and Jane felt some- v how that she was a little startled, although Jane could find no reason why this should be so. Much later, when they were all relaxing outside the hut, Guy referred to the question of female superiority which Nickolas had deliberately passed off without entering into details. 'He didn't like the idea at all,' laughed Guy. 'But then he wouldn't, being so superior himself.' 'I don't know much about it,' put in Stuart. 'I didn't know women ever had been dominant.' 'Indeed they were.' Tim was knowledgeable on such things and they all looked expectantly at him. 'It was, of course s way back in pre-history,' he went on thoughtfully. 'You see, difficult as it is for us to believe, it was not realized that the male played any part in the procreation of the

race. The Great Earth Goddess reigned supreme, worshipped and feared and obeyed by the poor male, who must have felt most inadequate, as you can well imagine. If it wasn't for woman - and woman alone - the whole race would become extinct. This Goddess took lovers, granted, but it was believed it was only for pleasure, because the concept of fatherhood had not entered into religious thought.' 'But they must have known,' frowned Jape. 'People, - er - people married, and therefore they must have associated. ...' She tailed off and Guy said with a laugh, 'They must have twigged it, you mean? You'd think so, but Tim here says they didn't.' 'No, they didn't associate sex with childbirth. The tribal queen selected a lover annually from among her young gallants. At the end of the year he would be sacrificed, becoming a Symbol of fertility, his blood being fed to the crops and his flesh being devoured raw by the queen and her fellow nymphs who, for this orgy, would wear animal masks.' 'How utterly revolting!' exclaimed Pauline. 'When did this disgusting custom die out?' 'With the disappearance of the Mycenaeans. The Dorian invaders brought with them a predominantly male pantheon. I expect they were! amazed that the Mycenaeans had not - er - twigged it, as you so tactfully put it, Guy.' 'The Earth Goddess would then disappear all over Greece?' 'Probably not at one and the same time because the Dorians came in waves, over a long period. But the Earth Goddess did of course eventually disappear altogether. She was at Delphi, Olympia, and all the sanctuaries in the beginning.'

'So because the Dorians knew a thing or two there was effected this complete change over and, as Dr. Vallas said, for three thousand years we've been indoctrinated with the idea of male dominance.' The conversation continued, but Tim dropped out. He had been preoccupied even while speaking and Jane gained the impression he had something on his mind. This, she concluded, could be concerned only with Pauline, and she was therefore not altogether taken by surprise when he whispered in her ear, 'Can I talk to you?' 'Privately, you mean?' He nodded and she turned her head, hesitating uncertainly. Not only was she reluctant to run the risk of being seen by Nickolas, she was also far from enthusiastic about the subject on which she knew Tim wanted to speak. He waited, dejection portrayed in his expression, and Jane had not the heart to refuse his request. She nodded and he said, with a glance at the others, 'Jane and I are just taking a walk. We've something to discuss.' Stuart glanced at her, his mouth tight and a pulse throbbing in his cheek. Was he jealous? she asked herself in wonderment. But then a faintly bitter smile swept away the thought. Stuart did not love her, she was firmly convinced. And she was glad of this, glad because he would not be hurt. She went with Tim towards the small grove of trees in the distance. 'Jane.' He stopped on the edge of the grove, and turned to her, his face haggard. 'I've discovered the most dreadful thing, and I had to tell someone.'

A tenseness enveloped Jane. She knew instinctively what he was about to say. 'Shall we walk a little further?' They were too conspicuous here, silhouetted in the moonlight against the dark smudge of the grove. 'I don't care - I don't care whether we walk or stay. Jane... She's in love with Nickolas!' From the hillside drifted the tinkling echo of sheep- bells - the only sound in the stillness of the night. 'How do you know?' Jane queried at length. He frowned at her. 'You're not surprised, Jane. Did you already guess?' She swallowed, recalling her own feeling of guilt at not being completely honest with him on his telling her of his love for Pauline. 'How do you know Pauline's in love with Nickolas?' she asked again, playing for time, and impatiently he flicked his hands. 'You've only to watch her with him! And what of her conversation? she can't talk of anything else, or anyone else. I suppose that's how you guessed, was it?' Jane nodded., 'Yes, Tim, that's how I guessed.' 'You knew - before I told you of my feelings for her,' he stated shrewdly, accusing eyes searching her face.

Jane .coloured, but shook her head. 'I wasn't sure at that time.' "You're sure now? She paused, listening to the silvery notes of the sheep bells, carried from a great distance owing to the clarity of the air. 'She admitted it,' said Jane at last, feeling she must be fully honest with Tim this time. 'She's only waiting for the day she can tell him she's single.' 'She actually told you she was in love with him?' Deep distress in every accent. Despite his statement of a moment ago he had hoped with all the desperation of a man in love - that he had made a mistake. 'Why should this happen? He's not the marrying sort, Jane. I've said this before and I'm sure of it. And she's waiting for the day she can tell him she's single - God, Jane, little she knows what heartbreak is in store for her!' 'She isn't sure of Nickolas,' Jane swiftly put in. 'She just hopes he'll return her love - once he learns that she is free.' Jane's words were meant to soothe as she continued, 'If, when she does tell him the truth, she discovers there's no chance for her she might turn - turn—' She stopped. Words like these could scarcely soothe. In fact, they would surely have the reverse effect. 'I don't want her to come to me on the rebound,' he returned bitterly. 'What a damned fool I've, been, trying to awaken her to my intentions, and wondering why I made no headway.' He began to walk on and Jane stepped in beside him, but he was restless and his nerves were overwrought. 'That she should be hurt—' He turned his head to look at Jane, and she saw that his eyes were gravely troubled, shadowed with concern for the girl he loved. 'Jane, we must do something!'

She thought for a moment. 'What, Tim? What can anyone do in a case like this?' 'See that she gets away from here.' 'Away? But how?' A long moment of silence and then, slowly, 'If Nickolas should become acquainted with the truth about you all, he'd send you home....' 'I see.' Jane looked at him thoughtfully. 'You're going to tell Nickolas about us?' .'I must get her away,' he returned defensively. 'I know it's a dirty trick, and that none of you will forgive me, but—' He broke off, unable to speak for the emotion which gripped him. 'I love her so much, Jane. Believe me, I'm sorry to do this to all you fine people, but I must save her from the heartache I know is bound to come if she stays here. I'll leave too, and try, in England, to win her.' His voice quivered again. It was a moment when his man's strength failed him and Jane's own eyes pricked hurtfully as she realized just how close to tears he was. 'You must do as you think best,' she murmured at last, but added, 'As. you've concluded, the others are not going to take kindly to this exposure — and Pauline will, perhaps - perhaps—' Jane could not go on, but Tim finished for her, a little break in her voice. '—she'll actually hate me? Yes, I realize that, but I shall try to make her look upon the action as proof of my love for her, that it's for her own good—'

'Oh, Tim,' Jane couldn't help interrupting, 'what woman is going to accept that an action which takes her from the man she loves is for her own good?' Yet even as she uttered those words Jane's thoughts switched to her own position. It would be for her own good to go home, even though she had no desire to do so. Agonizing though it was to see Nickolas every day, to suffer his scornful glance, to wince at the icy contempt in his voice, the idea of not seeing him at all was even more dismaying. And yet she knew it were wiser to leave now, and launch herself into an uncomplicated existence where work provided the only problems she would be called upon to solve. 'She'll accept it,' he replied with confidence. 'When Nickolas tells her she has to go she'll have all the proof she needs that he doesn't care for her and never will do so.' There was logic in that, Jane was forced to admit, and could only hope that Pauline would react in the way Tim believed she would. 'Guy and Stuart,' said Jane after they had walked another few yards in the direction of the grove, 'they'll both be terribly disappointed at the idea of going home.' , . 'I know. I've admitted it's a dirty trick, but I must think of Pauline—' He stopped speaking, and halted abruptly. He was gazing at her curiously, but it was not until he spoke that she realized her phrasing had not been of the best. 'Guy and Stuart will be disappointed at the idea of going home? Does that mean you yourself will be glad to go?' She coloured. 'I did mention that I wasn't particularly happy here,' she began, when he interrupted her.

'You also made a resolution to be happy in future, to ignore Nickolas's dislike of you. And,' he added slowly and with a strange emphasis, 'you've done just that. To all outward appearances you're now quite contented and comfortable.' To all outward appearances.... 'I feel I should go home;' was all Jane could find to say, and this time she was well aware that her phrasing was wrong. 'Something's happened, Jane, I've felt it recently.' A pause, and then, with slight hesitation, 'You and Stuart ...? Is everything all right...?' She stood in thought. But why lie? The engagement was to be broken immediately she and Stuart returned to England, and even if they all lost touch with Tim - which was most unlikely - he would be bound to hear of it. 'No, Tim,' she owned at last, 'everything is not all right. We - I intend giving him up when we leave here.' 'You've discovered your love for each other is not strong enough?' he asked, digressing for the moment from his own unhappy position. Jane merely nodded and he went on, 'Was it anything I said—? If so, I'm sorry, Jane, terribly sorry.' She looked at him, her eyes searching and yet perceptive. 'You're not sorry, Tim,' she returned frankly after a while. 'You never considered us right for one another, did you?' He seemed half afraid to agree and Jane added softly, 'If you're really in love you can't wait.., Do you remember saying that, Tim?' He nodded.

'And I believe it, Jane, So I was naturally amazed that both you, and Stuart could add on another year to what must of course be a necessary time of waiting. One has to be practical to a small extent, and find somewhere to live - but to add an extra year. ...' He shook his head. 'Neither of you was in love, Jane.' 'I know that now.' He looked at her. 'You deserve to be loved more deeply than that,' he declared softly, 'because you yourself have a great capacity for loving. I can sense it and I can only say I'm glad you're not marrying Stuart. I like him well enough,' he added hastily, 'but as. you yourself have just remarked, I never considered you right for one another.' A movement on the site caused Jane's flesh to tingle. Nickolas again? But what did it matter? His opinion of her could scarcely fall any lower now. He already suspected her of being far more friendly with Tim than she ought, and nothing she could say or do at present could dispel his suspicions. But she just had to move. 'Tim,' she whispered, 'we must go into the grove. Nickolas is walking about and - and I don't want him to see me with you. After all,' she added as his brows rose, '1 am supposed to be married to Guy.' 'Of course. How unthinking of me.' He glanced away, following the direction of her gaze. 'Are you sure he's about? I can't see him.' 'He was there…At least, someone was. I'm sure I saw a movement by the large shed.' 'The large shed? He must have gone in, then, because there's no sign—' Suddenly he grabbed her arm and Jane was almost flung the last few yards into the grove. 'That's not Nickolas,' he whispered.

'Then it must be someone else taking a stroll.' Frowning, Jane rubbed her arm where it had been so roughly grasped. 'It's quite normal for us to walk about during the evening.' 'Granted. But who prowls around the large shed?' His voice was soft but grim. 'What is there to prowl about for?' 'I don't understand? Prowling and walking are two very different things—' She stopped, her heart missing a beat as the idea flashed upon her. 'Not... thieves, Tim?' she whispered, horrified. His face was now in the shadows; she saw the dark profile as he peered between a gap in the trees. And she saw tight lips and a slight movement of his nostrils. 'I remarked once that I was a late night stroller,' he said softly, still giving all his attention to the area at the side of the shed. 'On a previous occasion I've seen movement by that door, but I was too impulsive, and ran towards it. It was a very dark night and whoever it was had disappeared by the time I got there.' He stopped and Jane could hear his quick breathing. That he was furiously angry was clear. She stood Still, peering through the darkness, but no movement caught her eye. 'Come,' said Tim softly at last. 'Let's hope that on this occasion I've given them time to get inside. Don't make a sound, Jane - and say a few prayers that they don't happen to glance through this side window.' It was an unhappy situation. If Tim was right, and there was someone in that shed - other than Nickolas, of course - then that person was one of the assistants, for the Greek labourers did not live on the site, but returned to their village each evening as darkness descended. They had been provided with a jeep and each morning on their return they brought the camp pro-visions and water.

'There is someone inside.' Tim spoke right into Jane's ear as, a few moments later, they both stood by the door of the shed. It was always securely padlocked at night, but now the padlock was missing. 'Go to Nickolas and fetch him here. Hurry, Jane, because whoever it is won't waste any time. I'll keep guard, but if there's more than one I might be knocked out.' 'Tim, do be careful—' 'Go, Jane,' he almost snapped. 'And for God's sake don't make a sound!' Stealthily she left his side and made for the hut in which Nickolas slept. It was in darkness and her pulse fluttered. Was he out? - or in bed? In either case there would be a delay. She knocked gently and after a moment the door was opened. Nickolas was in a dressing gown and pyjamas and a heavy frown creased his brow as he saw who his visitor was. 'Dr. Vallas,' she whispered, 'come quickly. Someone is in the shed!' 'The large shed?' 'Yes. Tim's on guard; he sent me to tell you.' Only as she uttered .those words did she realize what she had given away. She and Tim had been out together, late at night.... Jane followed Nipkolas as he ran towards the shed. Tim was still on guard, but even as Nickolas arrived the door opened slowly and a head appeared as its owner looked stealthily about him to make sure the coast was clear. 'Richard!' gasped Jane. 'It - it can't be!'

But it was Richard, and on him was found several priceless objects of gold. If taken to England or America, and sold in the black market, they would have meant retirement for life for Sylvia and Richard, Nickolas said afterwards as he re-locked the door and they all moved away. Richard had already slunk off after being ordered by Nickolas to leave, with his wife, the following morning. This sort of thing very rarely happens on a .dig. Present-day robbing of graves does go on, but mainly with graves discovered by the robbers, or perhaps by natives who pass on the information in exchange for payment.' He looked down at Jane for a long moment, and then turned his attention to Tim. 'Thank you for being so alert,' he said, but a sudden harshness had entered into his voice. 'And you, Mrs. Bryant -I must thank you also for your prompt action in fetching me.' His eyes were hard; they moved once again to Tim and then, with a brief 'good night' he was gone.

CHAPTER SIX BY ten o'clock the following morning Richard and Sylvia had packed their belongings and were getting into one of the jeeps. A Greek labourer was taking them to the nearest town where, Nickolas told him, he must drop them and come away. The incident naturally threw a blanket over the spirits of the rest of them for a day or two, for Richard and his wife had been well liked, despite the fact that' they did tend to keep themselves to themselves. 'They're not habitual thieves.' Tim and Jane were with Nickolas in the shed which housed all the new finds, Jane now engaged on labelling and packing the smaller of those finds. 'I suppose the temptation was too great.' 'The temptation is always great to some people,' Nickolas admitted, his eyes hard as he thought of what had so recently occurred. 'Nevertheless there's no excuse for dishonesty - of any description.' Raising her head from her task, Jane glanced swiftly at him. Why the hesitation? He noticed her action, and because he noticed it Jane blushed, and consequently gave the impression of guilt. She was dishonest with her husband, that was what he was thinking - and she was dishonest with Pauline. Suddenly Jane's blood boiled. What did he think she was - to have three men! Her eyes flashed fire as she gave him stare for stare. Arrogantly he lifted his brows, continuing to hold her gaze; plainly he meant to force her to lower her eyes which, to her increasing fury, she was presently forced to do. 'I hope, Dr. Vallas,' Tim was saying, 'the incident won't undermine your confidence in the rest of us?' On the table were a number of cardboard boxes in Which Jane was placing, after wrapping them in cottonwool, some of the jewellery -

golden objects which gleamed in the shaft of sunlight streaming through the open door. Idly picking up a brooch of exquisite workmanship, Nickolas held it thoughtfully in his long, sensitive fingers. An emblem of feminine vanity.... What had she been like, the dark Grecian woman who had owned and worn this fascinating trinket? Were Nickolas's thoughts running on these lines? Jane wondered as the silent moments passed and Tim still awaited a reply to his question. At length, with a glance at Jane, whose attention was divided between him and the object in his hand, Nickolas replaced the brooch in its bed of cotton-wool and said quietly, 'To me all are honest, until I have proved them otherwise.' This time Jane did not look up. But the subtle implication was plain. Taking up the brooch she placed it in a box and closed the lid. Nickolas went out then, in answer to a call from one of the workmen, and Tim looked across at Jane, a troubled frown on his face. 'How much longer must I delay telling him?' he asked. 'I want Pauline away from here as soon as possible.' His possessive manner was out of place, Jane thought, even though she excused it, in a way, because of his deep anxiety for Pauline. 'You decided to leave it for a while,' she reminded him. 'It was you yourself who said Nickolas wouldn't be able to manage if we all went not with Sylvia and Richard leaving.' 'If only that hadn't happened!' 'Should we all go Nickolas would have only four left - excluding Miss Gilbert, of course.' 'Much of the work's done; he could probably manage.'

'You know he couldn't,' she murmured. She was in fact thinking of the help Nickolas received from Pauline alone. His book was coming along rapidly, Pauline said, and if she should leave now Nickolas would not be able to get anyone else for some time - perhaps not until he returned to his home on the island of Poros. 'You said you wanted to go home,' he muttered rather sulkily. 'I said I felt I should go home,' Jane corrected him, and he asked her what the difference was. 'There's a very great difference. I know I should go home, but I don't particularly want to do so.' He frowned at her. 'You're talking in riddles.' 'Never mind, Tim. I can't explain.' She stopped working, and leant back in her chair. 'I don't think you should tell Dr. Vallas the truth yet awhile. Let us give him our assistance for another week or so—' 'But Pauline - she's falling deeper and deeper in love with him all the time. Look, Jane, her happiness means more to me than any dig, or book, or even the loss of my Mends - for I know that Stuart and Cfuy are going to be furious when I give them away - but I'm going to give them away, and without further delay!' 'You're going to tell him now?' 'Now.' She heaved a deep sigh. How soon would they be leaving? she wondered, and a terrible bleakness entered into her. Never had she expected to love like this, and she did wonder just how long it would be before she could think of Nickolas without this drag of dejection weighing her down. If only she had not met him— What was the use of

keeping on repeating that? She had met him, and although she was totally ignorant of it at the time, her love was conceived at that very first meeting when she had been so profoundly affected by his magnetic personality. She looked across at Tim, standing there, waiting for her to make some comment. 'You must do what you believe to be right, Tim. As for me—' She shrugged phlegmatically. 'I shall accept the consequences of your action without any hard feelings because, as I've said, I know I should go home, even though I don't want to.' He looked at her, and shook his head. 'You don't have to go home in order to make the break with Stuart,' he pointed out unnecessarily. 'So why this resignation, this contradictory attitude?' Nickolas was returning. Jane leant forward, picking up a gold bracelet and placing it carefully in its cottonwool wrapping. 'I'd like to speak to you privately,' said Tim without preamble. 'To me? What is it, Tim?' Nickolas frowned at him in some puzzlement. 'Something wrong?" Tim hesitated and Jane knew he bordered on uncertainty. Faced with exposing his friends he hesitated. But his love for Pauline won, as Jane knew it would, and Tim said resolutely, 'If I can speak to you alone, Dr. Vallas...?' 'Leave us, please, Mrs. Bryant,' came the stiffly spoken request, and Jane rose at once, her eyes meeting those of Nickolas as she passed

him on her way out of the shed. Soon, her glance said, you will not look at me with such scorn. But her feelings were mixed as she made her way over to where the men were working on the floor of the grave, removing other skeletons, which had come to light. The idea that Nickolas was to discover that she was single naturally gave her a considerable amount of satisfaction, yet on the other hand there was his anger to face, with her subsequent dismissal from the dig. How would Guy and Stuart take it? she wondered. She had tentatively suggested they be warned, but as Tim pointed out, he would have been compelled to disclose his reason, and this he at present was not willing to do. As she stood there, watching the removal of bones which had lain interred for three thousand years, Jane marvelled at her composure. It was as if she had fallen into a state of mental inertia where nothing could really disturb her. While not relishing the idea of the coming interview with Nickolas, she was on the other hand not actually dreading it. Perhaps, she concluded dismally, it was because she had nothing to lose. Strangely, Nickolas did not send for them at once, and as the minutes lengthened into hours her composure did begin to desert her. At last the summons came, at four o'clock in the afternoon. 'What can he want with all of us?' Guy asked as he joined Stuart and Jane on their way to the hut serving as Nickolas's private office. 'Where's Pauline? Doesn't she have to come too?' 'She'll already be there,' supplied Jane, her heart beating a little too quickly now. 'She's been typing all day.'

'I say, you two,' Stuart exclaimed suddenly. 'You don't think he's discovered what we've done!' Guy began to shake his head, then stopped. 'You think that might be why we're being sent for?'- he queried in dismay. 'But how could he have found out? Only Tim knows, and he wouldn't let us down.' Jane kept her head averted, for a flush of guilt lay on her cheeks. She was a little ahead of the two men and was the first to reach the hut, entering in answer to the curt 'come in'. Nickolas was standing by his desk, looking down at Pauline's bent head. She was writing in a notebook and Jane knew at once that she was blissfully unaware of what was to come. She glanced up, her eyes flickering in faint surprise before, glancing at Nickolas, she asked if she should leave the hut. 'No,' he replied shortly. 'What I have to say concerns the four of you.' 'Four, Dr. Vallas?' 'You and the - people with whom you came here.' Startled, Pauline glanced interrogatingly at Jane, but Jane was looking at Nickolas. His dark eyes were on her, seeming to penetrate her very mind. She glanced away, through the open doorway and over the Plain of Argos to where the terraced vineyards flourished under the warm caressing Grecian sun. She was no longer calm, for the air was electrified. She had to turn again; it was to find Nickolas's eyes still fixed intently upon her ... but now the contempt had gone, replaced by severity - and something else which Jane could not define.

With the entry of Stuart and Guy he indicated chairs, Nickolas himself taking possession of the chair behind his desk. Once they were all seated he wasted no time, but informed them that it had come to his notice that they had deliberately deceived him in order to join the dig. Every face portrayed the deepest consternation except that of Jane, and it was on her flushed countenance that his eyes rested. And, strangely, it was to her he spoke when, finally, fie picked one of them out. 'Miss Bryant,' he began, and there was no mistaking the emphasis on the 'Miss', 'have you anything to say about this deliberate deceit?' For a moment she could only stare. No anger or condemnation? How very odd. He might almost be relieved ... Relieved? Jane's glance switched to Pauline, sitting there, as white as a sheet, her small hands trembling as they lay in her lap. Relieved.... 'First of all, sir,' cut in Guy, 'I'd like to know how you have come by this information?' Arrogant brows were raised and Guy flushed uncomfortably. 'That, Mr. Bryant, is my business,' Nickolas replied curtly, and gave his attention Once more to Jane. 'I've nothing to say in our defence, Dr. Vallas,' she confessed. 'We'd heard beforehand that you didn't take single men and we - we conceived the idea of pretending to be married.' Her face was pale. She felt almost physically ill at the knowledge which had just been conveyed to her by the look of relief on Nickolas's face. She had wondered, on a couple of occasions, why she begrudged Pauline the friendliness Nickolas extended to her ... but she did not wonder why she should begrudge Pauline his love. That Pauline had won his love

there seemed no doubt. That look of relief on Nickolas's face spoke volumes. 'You had no qualms about practising this deceit?' he asked, a steely edge to his voice. She looked helplessly at Guy and Stuart, inviting them to come to her rescue, but neither spoke. 'I expect we did have some qualms - but we were so keen on joining your dig. You see, my brother and I had hoped for some time to join a dig abroad. We'd saved up so that we could take a year's leave from • school.' She swallowed a tight little lump in her throat and went on, 'It was enthusiasm Dr. Vallas, but of course I know you will not consider that as an excuse.' 'Enthusiasm, eh?' He transferred his gaze to Pauline. 'You're not a teacher. How could you take a year's leave?" 'I gave up my job altogether,' she quivered. The others couldn't have come otherwise.' Jane caught her breath - and her heart went out to Tim, whose hopes would come to nothing. She watched Pauline. Why was she so breathless and agitated? Couldn't she see that Nickolas would never send her home? His question had been pointed, and her answer proved satisfactory because he said, astonishing Stuart and Guy, but certainly not Jane, 'So you are free to stay on here and assist me?' 'St-stay?' Plainly she was staggered, but almost instantly her eyes shone. She's got the message at last, concluded Jane, her own eyes reflecting the bleakness within her. 'Oh, Dr. Vallas,' whispered Pauline rapturously, 'you mean you're not sending me home?'

'I'm not sending any of you home.' The silence could be felt, all-pervading and profound. The two men were stunned, but Jane understood. Nickolas was short-handed and required their continued assistance. What should she do? Stay and watch the love affair between Pauline and Nickolas flourish? - or tell Nickolas she desired to go home? Jane was torn apart as she wrestled with that decision. Never to see Nickolas again. ... The thought was unbearable, and yet to see him with Pauline, paying her attention, looking at her with that softness which had caused Jane's heart to torn right over, would be even more unbearable. Aware of Nickolas's eyes upon her, she glanced at him, noting the strange relaxing of his attitude as if he had knowledge of her indecision. 'There's! no need for any of you to feel uncomfortable. I appreciate your enthusiasm and am, therefore, overlooking your deceit. You will all carry on exactly as before.' His gaze remained on Jane. Her eyes were still shadowed and uncertain. 'I -1 think I prefer to - to—' Nickolas cut her short and to her surprise asked the other three to leave the hut. Pauline turned at the door, glancing over her shoulder, puzzled and not particularly pleased, judging by her expression. Nickolas waited until Pauline had closed the door behind her and then said, in an unemotional tone, 'If I've misjudged you, Miss Bryant, it's entirely your own fault. Nevertheless I apologize for what, in the light of this new knowledge, I now admit was most ungentlemanly conduct.' So cool and unemotional his voice, merely edged with a note of reprimand. A most ungracious apology - and yet Jane felt she was highly favoured to receive an apology at all. His words seemed designed to offer her a

little more freedom of speech and even his attitude was faintly inviting as he sat there, opposite to her, one brown hand resting on the desk in front of him.. 'It's understandable, in a way, that you should believe I was... like that.' A small silence and then, 'Mr. Dyson. ..: He is merely a friend?' An odd inflection in his tone caused Jane to lift her head sharply. He appeared tensed in some way, the hand lying on the desk being clenched as he awaited her reply. Tim, it appeared, had not thought fit to mention anything about her engagement, which was natural, she supposed, seeing that the break was soon to come. Nickolas stirred impatiently, and Jane had the strange conviction that her answer was important to him. Yet how could- that be? Her friendships were surely a matter of complete indifference to him.... But why, then, had he asked the question? As no feasible explanation presented itself Jane dismissed the matter, concentrating on whether on not to inform Nickolas of the position now existing between Stuart and herself. He would not be interested in her personal affairs, she decided. In any case, she was still engaged, and if she told him this Nickolas would admit she had a perfectly valid reason for wandering off with Stuart as she had done on several occasions. 'We're engaged. That's why you saw us together.' That would clear her - or would it? He had also seen her with Tim— 'Engaged!' he echoed in tones which could only be described as harsh. 'You're engaged?' She nodded, bewildered by the strange manner in which he received this information. '

Yes, Dr. Vallas, we're' engaged.' 'I see.' His mouth was tight, his expression unfathomable. How -unapproachable he was, clothed in an impenetrable armour stronger than steel. He looked directly at her at last and with a little jerk of astonishment Jane saw he was slightly pale beneath the tan, and a nerve twitched uncontrollably in his cheek. 'Surely,' he said, as if the idea had just occurred to him, 'it would have been better, under the circumstances, if you had posed as Mr. Dyson's wife? No one would then have questioned your right to be alone together.' No one...,. He meant himself, of course. 'The idea didn't strike us at the time,' she owned. 'We were so carried away we never gave a thought to the difficulties such as Stuart and I eventually encountered. You see, the names were right; we simply had to assume a married status.' He shook his head in a gesture of mystification. Nickolas himself would always be provident, and this lack of foresight was plainly bewildering to him. 'You should have realized the escapade would land you in an awkward position, Miss Bryant. Naturally you'd, want to—' he broke off and during the ensuing moments of silence Jane formed the impression that he searched for words, a circumstance which astounded her, for Nickolas Vallas was not the man to experience that sort of difficulty '—to be alone with your fiance. And had you given the matter a moment's thought you'd have perceived the impracticability of posing as your brother's wife. Engaged couples want to be alone on occasions.' Jane did not speak at once. That tone. ... Doubt had entered Tim's head regarding the strength Of the love existing between Stuart and herself. Gould it be that Nickolas's thoughts were running along the same lines? Surely not. There was no reason at all why he should concern himself with her life or waste his time on a matter such as this.

'We knew, subconsciously, I suppose, that we should want to be alone at times—' Jane stopped, shaking her head. 'We both seemed to have overlooked that part of it.' Again she stopped. 'Subconsciously' was scarcely the word he would have expected her to use; neither would he have expected an admission that both she and Stuart had overlooked the vital matter of having intimate moments together. She hoped her unthinking revelation would have passed him by, but a sudden gleam entered his eyes. They were puzzled and searching. 'I should have thought,' he commented in an odd tone, 'that that particular aspect would have been very much to the forefront of both your minds.' Mechanically she nodded. The fact that it had not been to the forefront of their minds was just another pointer to the weakness of their love even at that time. Nickolas was waiting, still with that puzzled expression, and she murmured with a helpless shrug, 'I expect we were so thrilled by the excitement of the dig.' Not at all convincing, and his look of curious intentness did not Surprise her in the least. However, he allowed the matter to drop as, veering the subject he said, not without a hint of severity and admonition, that she should have foreseen the possibility of being misjudged, not only by himself but also by others on the ate. 'People aren't blind,' he went on reprovingly, 'and when a married woman goes off into the woods with another man, who is also supposed to be married, then this must lead to unsavoury gossip.' She glanced at him quickly, unconsciously putting a hand to her cheek, and said without thinking,

'Oh, Dr. Vallas, will all the others conclude that I'm ' no good, as you did—?' Too late she broke off, averting her head so as to hide the flood of colour in her cheeks. 'The others,' replied Nickolas in a hard voice, 'do not appear to have noticed anything - which is particularly fortunate for you. With me, you were unlucky, and you are quite right, Miss Bryant, I did think you were "no good", as you put it.' He fell silent then and after a while Jane found the courage to phrase a question which had been teasing her for some time. 'Up there, in the cypress grove ... Dr. Vallas, was it your intention merely to frighten me?' An amused smile flickered. 'Don't credit me with virtues I don't possess. My reactions are no different from those of any other man when favours are offered.' Sudden disappointment entered Jane's eyes and, strangely affected by it, Nickolas added truthfully, 'I soon perceived some mistake had been made - and then I did decide to frighten you.' She drew a deep breath, her relief quite out of proportion. 'I'm so glad,' she returned simply. 'Why should you be glad?' 'I believed you to be a gentleman, Dr. Vallas, and - and I'm glad I haven't been disillusioned.' The conversation surprised her; she wondered why Nickolas had not brought it to an end before now. 'Have you any idea why I should have wished to frighten you?' he inquired, and Jane nodded.

'You were thinking of Pauline.' 'Exactly.' 'You were sorry for her, of course.' Jane watched his face for any sign of emotion, but it . retained its enigmatic quality. 'Naturally I was sorry for her.' The idea of their deceit filled his mind for a long moment and then Jane steeled herself for another reproof. However, if such an inclination did come to him he suppressed it, merely saying in quiet impersonal tones, 'I gained the impression just now, Miss Bryant, that you were considering leaving the dig. This was most probably owing to the dislike existing between you and me—' He paused a moment and Jane guessed instinctively that he was recalling her own description of him as insufferable. 'As, on my part, this dislike stemmed from my being under a misapprehension, it no longer exists.' Jane was actually treated to a smile as he went on, 'I don't know how you feel about it, but, if you also can bury your animosity we might get along a little more comfortably in future.' So he believed her desire to leave the dig stemmed solely from the unpleasantness which up till now had existed between them. How little he knew! What must be her decision? Were she to practise caution she would leave, being perfectly free to do so now without 'jeopardizing the position of the others. She could tell Stuart the engagement was broken; he would probably remain here with Pauline and Guy, while Jane returned to her home and her job, which would fill her time and her thoughts, helping her to forget this man; and slowly the wound she had so foolishly inflicted upon herself would be healed.

Yes, that was the simpler, more sensible way. ... Jane sighed, wondering what answer to give. And as she hesitated in this state of indecision Nickolas spoke, softly, and with the flickering of a smile dispelling the hardness which invariably characterized those lean dark features. 'I've never expressed appreciation of your work, Miss Bryant, owing to the misunderstanding of which we've already spoken. Nevertheless, I have appreciated it - and I shall miss you if you do decide to go.' He looked directly at her and as she fascinatedly watched the movement in his throat Jane sensed just how much it had cost him to utter those words. He was in fact admitting to an injustice on his part, frankly owning that his personal opinion of her should not have blinded him to her qualities in other directions. Yet still she hesitated, her heart constricting at the vision of having to be around all the time, watching his love for Pauline deepen, waiting in agony for the engagement to be announced. And it could even be that the wedding would take place before they all returned to England. Involuntarily she shook her head, and a sudden brightness in her eyes betrayed her dejection even While enhancing their beauty. Nickolas's smile deepened in a sort of reluctant persuasion. It was as if he retained his stiff formality because of some self-discipline and not because he wished to. His smile held her, breathless and inwardly quivering as her heart and mind became stimulated by the power this man could exert over her, the power of which she had been so profoundly conscious when first she had seen him, standing on the platform, so godlike and aloof. He was now sitting back in his chair, in a relaxed position, the smile still hovering on his face. And yet in some indefinable way he resembled an animal, dangerous and sleek. Tough and sinewed, his abundant energy coiled like a spring, he seemed ready at any moment to leap. His eyes were not softened by the smile and they still retained

their hard metallic glint, like steel. Broodingly Jane allowed ho- gaze to stray to his mouth, remembering his kisses, and with a catch of her breath she also recalled her own eager response. Had Nickolas forgotten that? If not then he must still be secretly despising her to some extent, because although he now knew she was not married, she was engaged and, therefore, should not have been responding to his kisses. Had he forgotten? she asked herself again, frowning momentarily in puzzlement. He surely could not forget... and yet he must have, otherwise at least some small measure of the old contempt would be portrayed in his attitude towards her. 'What is it, Miss Bryant? he inquired at last. 'Why this long silence? which can only mean you're undecided about staying here. Can there be some reason, of which I don't know, why you are thinking of leaving?' Startled by this question, Jane looked swiftly at him. Could he have guessed? she wondered fearfully. But. no, for although he watched her curiously, and still With that hint of puzzlement, there was no indication of his having guessed at her feelings for him. His eyes softened suddenly, and her whole body was suffused with warmth. She tossed caution aside. He needed her help, having unbent sufficiently to admit it even though he had not in any way been obliged to do so. Presently a responding smile flashed, and she said quietly, 'I'm not leaving, Dr. Vallas - at least, I shall stay until you no longer need me.' Having deliberately avoided answering his question, Jane wondered if he had noticed the omission. If so, he let it pass without comment and after extending a quiet 'thank you, Miss Bryant' he picked up a pen as if to begin writing, a clear indication that the interview was at an end.

The clouds had parted when she came out of the hut, but the sun was setting and the deep crimson glow splashed colour on to the distant mountains. The air was inexpressibly soft and sweet and all at once a lightness entered into Jane's footsteps as she made her way to the larger shed in which she was working. Miss Gilbert was there, stiff and thoroughly masculine in a calf- length tweed skirt and heavy brown brogues. 'Where have you been?' she demanded, her eyes flickering past Jane to the smaller shed from which she had so recently emerged. 'There's work to be done here, Mrs. Bryant. I can't be expected to do all this labelling and packing on my own.' She brought her gaze back to Jane, glaring at her. 'I haven't had my tea break yet.' 'Neither have I. However, you go; I'll carry on with this. Where are these things being put?' 'Into storage for the present, and then into the museum, when room can be made for them. There's to be a new extension and these will be exhibited in it.' She went out and a few minutes later, as Jane was concentrating on the packing of a magnificent necklace of gold and amethyst beads, Pauline entered, her pretty face aglow with happiness. 'Jane! Jane - oh, isn't it wonderful! He knows, and he hasn't sent us home. What can that mean? Answer me, Jane, because unless I actually hear it I won't believe it!' With tender care Jane placed the object in its special cardboard box and fixed the lid with gummed paper. 'It looks very much as if - as if Nickolas cares for you.' Keeping her expression hidden, Jane placed the box carefully beside the others on the table.

'Looks very much—?' Pauline pouted, waiting to see if Jane would lift her head. 'It's a certainty.' And yet she added on a little anxious note, 'Surely there can be no other reason?' Jane looked up., . 'No, Pauline,' she smiled, 'I don't expect there is any other reason.' Pauline became thoughtful. 'What other reason could there be?' 'We haven't suggested there's another reason.' 'What's the matter with you, Jane? Aren't you sure he's letting us stay because of me?' 'Because he loves you, you mean?' 'Of course that's what I mean.' A great shade fell on the hut as the sun's descent became more rapid. "You won't be sure he loves you, Pauline, until he tells you so,' replied Jane practically. 'Up till now there's been a check on his actions, owing to his belief that you were married, but if he does love you he'll be telling you quite soon, I should expect.' 'Yes, I expect he will.' A small silence followed; Jane switched on the light and resumed her work, thinking about Tim, whose, plans had gone all awry. 'I wonder how Nickolas. found out,' murmured Pauline at length. 'Could it have been Tim, do you think?' She shook her head. 'He would never have done it deliberately, of course, but he could have let it slip out accidentally.'

'He could, yes.' Jane became guarded. Tim would be suspect, and no doubt would be questioned by one or both of the men. He would tell the truth, Jane knew, but she herself had no intention of becoming involved. 'Well, I'm jolly glad Nickolas knows the truth already because it was going to be agony waiting another five months. Oh, I'm so thrilled about everything ! I know he'll be bossy and officious at times, but I can stand that.' 'Stand it?" sharply. 'Isn't that an odd word to use, Pauline?' 'Why? He is bossy, you must admit that.' 'Yes, but-' 'And as a husband he'll be the domineering sort whose word is law all the time, but I shall have to stand it, shan't I?' Jane was speechless, still unable to comprehend Pauline's attitude regarding Nickolas's character. 'You have to stand the faults of your husband,' Pauline went on. 'Just as he has to stand yours.' 'You've to bear with one another's faults .,. but stand . . .?' A frown creased Jane's wide brow. 'I'd never use that word myself.' 'Why not?' 'I can't explain. To me it savours of affected martyrdom.' 'It's nice, sometimes, to be a martyr,' laughed Pauline, and added, 'I shan't mind because I think he's absolutely wonderful! Don't you agree with me, Jane?" 'Yes, Pauline, I do.' Drawing a small gold bracelet towards her, Jane began wrapping it up in cottonwool. Pauline laughed again as she said,

'That was a stupid question for me to ask. You dislike Nickolas excessively, we all know that.' A little of the colour had left Jane's cheeks. She felt nothing but relief when Pauline presently announced her intention of getting back to her work. However, at the door Pauline swung round and asked curiously, 'Why did Nickolas want you to stay behind — to speak to you privately, I mean?' 'It was nothing important,' replied Jane, truthfully. 'Dr. Vallas had noticed my uncertainty about staying-' 'You were uncertain about staying?' 'I've wanted to go home for some time, you know that.' 'Yes, but I thought you'd become more settled. You used to say Nickolas picked at you, but I never heard him.' Ignoring that last remark, Jane said, 'He asked me to stay and I agreed.'' 'He didn't want you to leave?' 'He didn't want any of us to leave.' 'But why did he ask you to remain behind?' There was a strange emphasis on Pauline's words which puzzled Jane exceedingly. She hesitated before replying, for she had no intention of relating to Pauline all that had been said between Nickolas and herself a few moments ago in his office.

'I've told you, he noticed my uncertainty and asked me about it.' Jane shrugged carelessly. 'He needs our help and I expect he was a trifle anxious at the possibility of losing me.' Pauline was still not satisfied and Jane knew what she was thinking. Jane's words about Nickolas's needing their help had put doubt into her head. 'He couldn't have overlooked what we did simply because he would have been terribly short-handed, had he sent us all home? That wasn't the reason, Jane, please say it wasn't!' 'I'm sure that, primarily, Nickolas's reason for letting us stay was because of you.' 'Oh ... I'm glad you're so sure,' and, humming a little tune to herself, Pauline went out. Only seconds later Tim entered, his face grim and drawn. 'Guy and Stuart tell me you're not being sent home.' His voice, usually so quiet and good-humoured, was cracked and harsh. 'Apparently he can't do without your help.' 'Sit down, Tim,' invited Jane softly, indicating a chair by the wall. 'You've told Stuart and Guy what you've done?' 'They asked if it was my doing and I said yes.' 'They would want to know the reason.' 'I told them that too.' He sat down and lit a cigarette. 'You told them you did it for Pauline?'

'Yes. They were put completely in the picture regarding my feelings for her. And it so happens that Stuart had begun to suspect I loved her.' 'He had?' Stuart had not said anything to her, and Jane knew this was owing to the coolness between them. He had not felt like confiding in her and so had kept his suspicions to himself. 'Yes. And both he and Guy had noticed how Pauline was with Nickolas.' 'Neither of them said anything to me.' 'I'd have thought Guy would. As for Stuart - well, you're not so friendly as you were.' 'We're still engaged.' Tim shrugged, impatient of this digression. 'What am I to do about Pauline?' He drew on his cigarette and inhaled deeply. 'This decision of Nickolas is going to be disastrous for her.' Jane idly fingered the bracelet she had been about to pack, her mind once again in a state of indecision. But at last she looked straight at Tim, her eyes shadowed as, a wave of sympathy sweeping over her, she murmured gently, 'There's nothing you can do - or should endeavour to do, Tim. This surprising decision of Nickolas's proves that he must, in some measure at least, return Pauline's love.' He gaped at her and she saw at once that the idea had never entered his head.

'Nickolas ... in love? It's ridiculous!' And yet his face had taken on a greyish tinge and the hand holding the cigarette trembled visibly. 'I can't believe it - and yet. ... She's so very lovely.' He seemed almost distracted, passing his tongue over parched lips. 'When Stuart and Guy told me what had happened, and I realized I'd done that foul trick all for nothing I at once concluded that Nickolas had kept you all on simply because he couldn't afford to do otherwise, having already lost two of his assistants.' Jane said nothing and he added, rather in the manner of one clutching at a straw, 'That could be the reason, Jane. It could!' He looked imploringly at her. 'Tell me it could! It's a far more feasible explanation, you must agree—' He stood up, and began pacing the floor. 'It's the only explanation,' he declared emphatically, swinging round to face her. 'Nickolas Vallas would never fall in love. And marriage—' Tim laughed harshly, flinging out a hand, in a gesture' which plainly dismissed the idea as totally impossible. 'He'd never find time for a wife. As for children - they'd drive him to distraction. No, he'd never marry - everybody who knows him will tell you the same thing.' He stopped, but almost immediately continued, desperately trying to convince himself that Nickolas would never contemplate marriage with Pauline. 'I told you before, he's never had a lasting affair, let alone a serious one. Pauline's wasting her time, I tell you! She's going to suffer more than ever now. Jane, can't you do something? Warn her? - advise her? - but for God's sake, don't let her get hurt!' But all Jane could do was spread her hands helplessly. And after a while Tim went out, closing the door behind him. '... don't let her get hurt!' Jane sat for a long while, staring at the wall in front of her. Don't let Pauline get hurt. 'It's you - and me - who are going to be hurt....'

With a totally uncharacteristic gesture Jane spread her arm across the table, rested her head on it, and wept bitterly.

CHAPTER SEVEN THE Grecian spring was in its full glory, with the first sun haze of the year hanging on the mountains. The soft warm air had penetrated the earth and from the responding bulbs and roots there sprang forth a multitude of flowers, clothing the ground and cascading down the hillsides. Magic was everywhere apparent - in the clear intoxicating air and flawless azure sky, in the gentle sweep of the plain and the cerulean sea beyond. Jane and Pauline had their afternoon off, as was usual every other Tuesday, but neither wanted to waste time on the chore of cleaning out the huts. The day was too beautiful, and during their coffee break Jane had suggested they visit Mycenae. 'If we don't do something soon,' she added ruefully, 'We're going to return to England having seen scarcely anything of this wonderful country.' She had spoken without thinking and Pauline's eyebrows rose as she said, by way of a subtle reminder, 'I'm expecting to make my home in Greece.' 'Of course.' A small silence, and then, 'Well, come with me to Mycenae, because I won't be having such opportunities as you. This could be my only chance of exploring a little of Greece.' 'Nonsense! You'll come again, if it's only for a holiday. Nickolas says everyone comes back to Greece. He says it steals your soul, that you can't be sated - and he maintains that your longing increases with every visit. In fact,' she laughed, 'it seems to me it's rather like a drug and once under its influence you can't escape.' 'Nickolas spoke like that?' murmured Jane, diverted.

'Yes. Oh, he's very poetical at times, Jane. You have no idea of his other side; it's soft and sensitive and sort of - idealistic.' Jane could not take this in at all. To her Nickolas was hard and practical; she had always felt he would ' scoff at sentiment. Still, Pauline knew him better than she, and Jane was in no position to argue. Not that she wanted to argue. Her only wish was to keep Nickolas from intruding into her thoughts, for recently she'd had proof in plenty that Pauline had won his heart. The way he treated her, the way he took her arm at times, the way he smiled and spoke ... yes, even Tim had given up hope now. 'Are you coming with me, Pauline?' she asked again, and this time Pauline agreed. 'We'll start out immediately after lunch, then. All right?' 'All right.' But when the time for their departure arrived Pauline had changed her mind. 'I don't feel like tramping, Jane. I think I'll just stay around here.' Pauline's eyes strayed to where Nickolas sat outside his office, reading some notes which she had typed out only that morning. 'You don't mind, do you? I'm awfully tired.' Jane followed the direction of Pauline's dreamy gaze. 'No, Pauline, I don't mind.' And so Jane went alone, being driven to the village by one of the workmen, from where she caught a bus which dropped her at Phikia. She began to walk, pausing interestedly on reaching the inn, La Belle Helene, where the great Schliemann had lodged when on the famous dig at Mycenae.

And then she walked on again in the sunshine, glancing up now and then at the clouds coming in from the sea. She hoped it would not rain, but rain was possible, for the long dry season had not yet begun. Coming at length to the famous Lion Gate Jane entered through it - and came to a wild and eerie place, deserted and somehow bleak. The gaping entrances of the shaft-graves excavated by Schliemann, the mist-shrouded summit of Mount Saint Elias, the rocky slopes and dim ravines - all these lent the ancient blood-ridden site a gloomy, forsaken aspect. Automatically Jane looked over her shoulder as if half expecting the outraged ghost of Agamemnon to appear and make for the tomb of the faithless Clytemnestra whose lover and accomplice, Aegisthus, lay close by. Here on this hill they had waited for the beacon fires that would mean the end of the Trojan War - and the return of Clytemnestra's husband who, after his many years of absence, finally did arrive, only to have his blood spilled on the stones of the great fortress, being foully murdered by his wife and her lover. Jane reached the Palace at last. It stood on a bare hill overlooking the rich alluvial plain, where citrus groves and tobacco took the place of the wheat which would be flourishing there in Agamemnon's day. She sat down, on the broken base of a column, her eyes wandering over the plain to the distant sparkling sea. 'The wine-dark sea. ...' There was no new or more effective way of describing a Grecian sea. Overcome with a strange restlessness and sense of isolation, Jane frowned in thought, searching for this sudden change within her. She liked the silence, the aloneness ... and yet she felt a little lost. What did she want? If only Pauline had not changed her mind ... A faintly bitter smile appeared on Jane's soft wide mouth. Pauline would be with Nickolas now, either working, or perhaps chatting— Her thoughts were suddenly shattered as she caught sight of the Man climbing the rise, passing the Grand Staircase, making for the Palace where she sat.

Nickolas here! - and without Pauline. Jane looked around her agitatedly. What should she do? But it was impossible to hide herself, or even to escape unnoticed, with only the two of them on the site. Unsteadily she rose to her feet at his approach; he stopped abruptly, unable to believe his eyes. 'Miss Bryant! I never expected to see you up here.' His dark eyes swept over her, noticing her windswept hair, gleaming like gold in the sun, her flushed face, her rather startled expression that gave an added brightness to her eyes. 'How did you come?' 'One of the men took me to the village in the jeep. I caught a bus from there.' What was Pauline doing? wondered Jane. Did she know where Nickolas had gone? 'I walked up from the place where the bus dropped me. It was a pleasant, invigorating walk.' She felt awkward and oddly shy, remembering that the only other occasion on which they had ever been alone was when he had taken her up into the cypress grove. 'If only you'd told me of your intention I could have brought you.' She stared at him, unable to find any fitting comment to words as surprising as those. 'You've come by car, then,' she murmured awkwardly at last, and he nodded, still looking down at her, an unfathomable expression on his face. She was dressed in slacks and a sweater, both of blue; and in contrast to those she wore on the site, which became dusty after only an hour or so, they were immaculately clean. Over her sweater she wore a blue anorak and slung over one shoulder was a small rucksack containing a flask of coffee and some fruit. 'I'll give you a lift back,' offered Nickolas in 'a cool abrupt voice. 'Thank you, Dr. Vallas.' She smiled at him and he sat down on another column base. For a long while he stared out across the plain, his gaze

narrowed against the glare, bringing into prominence the fine wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. 'Do you come up here often?' he inquired at last, his face still turned in the direction of the view ahead. 'This is the first time.' 'The first time! But you should come often. I do.' She spoke without thinking. 'I don't get much time.' He did turn then - and she actually saw a anile of amusement appear on those thin hard lips. 'I expect they call me a slave-driver.' It was a statement, and she knew he did not care a damn that she made up diplomatic attempt to deny it. Certainly they called him a slave-driver, and had every reason for doing so. But he seemed very different today, clad in light grey slacks and a snow-white shirt, with the ends of his tie wafting in the wind. His jacket was tweedy and loose but had obviously been expensively tailored. His black hair shone with cleanness, but the wind had wrought faint havoc with it as with her own, and a! lock had fallen on to his forehead. As she watched he pushed a hand through his hair and the lock was put back into place. Her eyes moved to his face, relaxed now and portraying an unfamiliar softness which brought to Jane's mind his expression as he handled the child's small golden rattle. 'Why do you come up often?' she asked, profoundly aware of her isolation being shared now ... shared by the one human being whose company she desired. She spoke hastily, and a trifle breathlessly, hoping to embark on a conversation which would divert her unhappy thoughts.

'The site calls. I'm deeply interested in the ancient Mycenaean culture and naturally I come here.' He turned his head towards her. 'It's a site one can visit again and again. But in a few weeks the tourists will be streaming in; this continues for the whole of the summer and well into the autumn, so I make the most of times like this.' 'You expected to have the site all to yourself?' Jane cast him a sideways glance from under her lashes. 'As a matter of fact I did.' 'I'm sorry.' He laughed and she caught her breath. This bitter ecstasy was almost more than she could bear. She wanted him to go ... and yet she desired him to stay. She recalled a few lines from an ode by Pindar who likened Koronis to mortals who reach out for what they can never attain, scorning their homely sphere and setting their foolish gaze '... on things far distant ... pursuing idle dreams and hopes unsatisfied'. 'Don't apologize, Miss Bryant. I'm enjoying your company.' 'Enjoying it?' The words slipped out and he appeared to be most sensitive to her surprise, for his smile reappeared and he said quietly, 'Yes, enjoying it. I did say, if you remember, that vte might get along more comfortably in future.' 'I do remember.' She stirred, affected profoundly by the change in him, and conscious all the while of her own deep sense of yearning. She was conscious also of people clamouring for admission to her mind, and yet she regarded them from a sort of protective enclosure. They were real, but distant. Pauline, desperately in love and sure her love was returned; Tim, heartbroken and with hope abandoned; Stuart, who himself had cooled of late ... perhaps in retaliation for her own falling

off, but somehow Jane had gained the impression that he also had come to admit they were not 'really in love'. 'Have you already done all you want to do?' Nickolas's low rich voice cut into her musings and she turned to stare a little vacantly at him. 'On the site, I mean?' he elucidated, making a comprehensive gesture with his hand. 'No, I'd only just arrived when you came.' He stood up. 'In that case, I'll take you round.' That's kind of you, Dr. Vallas.' If only she could be natural. She'd been quite natural on the occasion of their going into the cypress grove, she recalled - but then she had foolishly believed him to be sincere, to have fallen in love with her. The unpleasant memory brought the colour rushing to her cheeks and the most odd expression entered his dark eyes. They naturally began with the' Palace in which they had been sitting. Nickolas explained it all while Jane listened, enthralled, as he went on to relate the myths and legends, and the stories of the fearsome deeds which had been perpetrated in this ancient fortress home of the great king, Agamemnon, whose brother, Menelaus, was king of Sparta and husband of Helen of Troy. 'The Palace has always been the scene of murder and other dark deeds,' laughed Nickolas as Jane shuddered at the vision of one particular horror - that of the serving up at a banquet of his own brother's sons by the father of Agamemnon.

'No wonder I felt it was creepy,' she whispered, glancing almost fearfully around and noticing that the clouds had thickened, casting the Palace into a purple shadow of eeriness. 'Did you feel it was creepy?' He glanced down at her in some amusement as he waited for her reply. 'Indeed I did!' 'And yet you didn't run away?' -'I knew I was being silly,' she confessed. 'Ghosts can't hurt you.' 'It's as well, for there are many ghosts up here.' They were in the Great Hall, the main room of state which in those far off days had a central hearth, and it was to the right of this that the throne would be situated. 'In this room visitors were received and entertained,' Nickolas explained. 'Try to imagine it, very beautiful, with four massive columns round the hearth the floor covered with painted stucco - we know it was squared in red, and zigzagged patterns in blue and yellow were also used for decoration. The walls would be bright with frescoes and had a dado of rosettes. Ulysses would have been received here, and Helen and Menelaus would have entertained in this very room in which you are standing.' For a while she could not speak. The wonder of being here, in what was Homer's great Palace of Alcinous where Ulysses '...hesitated before settings foot on the bronze threshold ... for a radiance like that of the sun and moon lit up the high-roofed halls of the great king'. Golden doors hung on posts of silver, door handles were made of gold and '... youths of gold, fixed on stout pedestals, held flaming torches in their hands to light the banqueters in the hall by night.'

'Where has it all gone?' breathed Jane at last, unaware she spoke aloud. 'So much treasure ...' 'Looted, and often melted down,' returned Nickolas softly. And then he added, 'But it's all this which makes archaeology so fascinating. To be able to reconstruct the past, to learn how these ancient peoples lived - this to me is so interesting that I could never spend very much of my time otherwise engaged.' She looked at him quickly. He was not with her; for a brief few moments he was lost in thought, in reflection, and a mental reconstruction of the great edifice as it was when those famous, figures of legend and piyth and history passed gloriously through its doors. 'I could never spend very much of my time otherwise engaged.' Jane mused on Tim's assertion that Nickola? would have no time for marriage, that children would drive him to distraction. And yet Greek men were passionately fond of children, so it was said.... Leaving the Palace at last they wandered about the site for a long while and then sat on a rock looking down over the lush green Plain of Argos, and it was with no small sense of shock that Jane realized nothing had changed since the days of the Trojan War. In geological time three thousand years was a mere flash; this scene of vineyards and olive groves, of plain and valley and sea would be exactly the same as viewed from the Palace by the beautiful Helen, whose abduction had been the cause of the war. 'I think it's time we were moving.' Nickolas turned his head to look at Jane. He was close and his shoulder touched her as he moved. She disciplined herself against dwelling on the effect of that contact, rising at once and keeping her distance as they walked together towards the Lion Gate. They spoke little, and yet as if by some magical process all

restraint was now removed and the silence was friendly 'and companionable. The clouds had blown away and the wind had died, leaving the air silent and motionless and drenched with the heavy perfume of citrus blossom. The formidable peaks of Zara and Mount Saint Elias rose to a sky of clearest blue from where the slanting rays of the sun, touching the mountain flanks, endowed them with colour and a soft and lambent serenity. Nickolas had left the car in the park near the entrance to the Citadel and soon they were driving away, down towards Le Belle Helene, where they stopped for refreshments. 'I brought some coffee,' she said, 'but I forgot all about it;'The inn was famous as the headquarters of Schliemann, and Jane was fascinated by the visitors' book. Great English and American scholars had signed their names, writers and artists, businessmen and statesmen - their names were all there. The walls were covered with portraits of famous archaeologists, and there were also pictures of the latest excavations when more wonderful treasures had been unearthed. Nickolas knew the proprietor, who came to their table and chatted as they drank their ouzo and ate the meze which was served with it. Nickolas introduced Jane as a fellow archaeologist, a description which naturally made her blush, and again she noticed that odd expression fill her companion's eyes. It might almost have been admiration ... had Jane not known such a possibility was totally out of the question. The sun was sinking rapidly as they came out of the inn and soon it was dusk and the entire landscape was bathed in a purple mist of enchantment. Jane's heartbeats quickened in spite of her efforts at discipline. The whole world around her was magical - the limpid atmosphere giving way so swiftly to the veil of approaching night, the amethyst and silver of the sun's final dying rays being overtaken by the

unfolding tulle of darkness. The intoxicating scent of lemon blossom and petals drifting through the soft still air ... And the drive back to the site, with the car windows open, and high above the stars appearing, adding their light to the radiance shed by a floating moon. A sigh of regret for what was gone left Jane's lips when, at half-past seven, the car was brought to a standstill not far from the hut where Nickolas had his office. He made no immediate attempt to open the door and for a while they sat quietly savouring the tranquillity of the warm Eastern night. 'Thank you for your company, Miss Bryant.' Nickolas at last opened the door and slid from his seat. He opened Jane's door for her and she got out. 'I hope you've enjoyed the afternoon as much as I?' 'It was wonderful. Thank you very much, Dr. Vallas.' 'We must do something of the sort another time. Good night, Miss Bryant.' He had reverted to his formal manner, adopting also a kind of aristocratic courtesy, a noblesse which, strangely, in no way served- to dampen the happy mood in which Jane found herself. She looked up at him and smiled, faintly surprised that he should mention another outing, and yet immeasurably thrilled by this proof of his desire for her company. 'That would be nice. Good night, Dr. Vallas.' She went quickly towards the hut she shared with Pauline, resisting the desire to glance back. But at the door she was forced to turn; Nickolas was still standing by his car. He lifted a hand; Jane waved back, then entered the hut, breathless owing to the wild, irregular beating of her heart.

Pauline was sitting on her bunk bed, a magazine on her lap. 'Did you enjoy it?' Rising, Pauline moved over to the mirror hanging Ori the wall. 'It was most pleasant up there.' She spoke guardedly; it was deceitful and underhanded, she knew, but Jane could not bring herself to tell Pauline that Nickolas had been her companion for the whole of the afternoon. Tm sure it was.' Reaching for a brush, Pauline applied it to her hair. 'However, I thoroughly enjoyed my rest.' Something in her tone brought a frown to Jane's brow. Catching a glimpse of Pauline's face in the tiny mirror, Jane saw that her mouth drooped and her eyes were unnaturally bright. 'What did you do all the afternoon?' Jane was encompassed in a cloak of guilt even while fully aware that no guilt attached to her. She could scarcely have acted in any other way; could not, for instance, have bidden Nickolas a curt good-bye and left him - without having some feasible excuse to offer. And as there was no excuse to offer she had to remain with him, and the fact of her wishing to remain was irrelevant. 'I just sat about—' Pauline turned; her lip was quivering. 'I could have gone out with Nickolas - he asked me to - but I had to refuse.' 'Had to?' A weight settled on Jane at the significance of Pauline's words. 'I don't understand?' 'I'd already refused you, and it would have looked awful if I'd accepted his offer.' She was close to tears and Jane swallowed hard. 'Pauline, you shouldn't have considered that. You know very well I wouldn't have taken offence.'

'I thought you would. I did so want to go with him, but it seemed wrong, somehow - as if - as if I preferred him. .' She tailed off, flushing at what she had said. Jane merely smiled reassuringly. 'You do prefer Nickolas, and I quite understand that, so why, you silly little idiot, didn't you accept his offer?' No answer - and the silence was uncomfortable and intense. 'Did Nickolas say where he was going?' Pauline shook her head. 'He didn't have the chance - not really. You see, the moment he mentioned taking me with him I refused, and that was that.' She paused a while, and then, 'I expect he would have some business to attend to, because there's no pleasure to be had around here. Yes, I'm sure he was going somewhere on business.' Jane took off her anorak and put it on a coat hanger, which she then returned to its hook behind the door. Her happy mood was gone. She had wondered why Nickolas was not with Pauline, and Pauline herself had provided the answer. He had wanted her to go up to the Citadel with him, had preferred her company to that of anyone else. A quivering sigh broke from Jane's lips; Pauline's words had stripped every vestige of pleasure from the memory she had hoped to cherish. Nickolas had not really enjoyed her company at all and Jane inwardly squirmed on admitting she had once again misunderstood his attitude, had taken his sincerity for granted, just as on that other unforgettable occasion she had taken it for granted. He had said he enjoyed the afternoon, had even thanked her for her company, but Jane saw now that it was merely politeness, and she recalled his resumption of cool courtesy which, at the time, had not affected her happy mood. His suggestion concerning another outing had also at the time appeared sincere, but again it was merely politeness, spoken without intention or meaning.

'Why,' she quivered, 'should I have thought he'd want my company, when I know very well how he feels about Pauline?' 'What did you say?' asked Pauline, and Jane started violently. She hadn't realized she spoke aloud. Thank goodness Pauline had not clearly heard. 'I was talking to myself.' She looked at Pauline, who was thoroughly miserable, and once again a sensation of guilt swept over Jane. Had she not asked Pauline to accompany her, Pauline would have been free to accept Nickolas's invitation. 'I'm so sorry you didn't say yes to Nickolas,' she murmured in troubled tones. 'You should have known I'd understand.' 'I suppose I should,' was the forlorn response. 'Never mind; he'll be asking you again before very long.' 'I don't have any time off for another fortnight,' Pauline reminded her disconsolately. 'He'll surely give you some extra time-off?' But Pauline shook her head. 'He'd not extend me preferential treatment, Jane. It would look bad.' Jane sighed. Pauline was not in the mood to be comforted, and as Jane herself was also in the throes of dejection she made an excuse and went out. 'Ah, there you are,' said Tim, almost bumping into Jane as she made her way to the large hut serving as a dining-room. 'Have you forgotten it's our turn to prepare the meal?'

'I had, Tim.' Jane looked apologetically at him. 'Have you been doing it all on your own?' 'Don't look so concerned; I'm all organized except for thrashed gravy. What's the cause of all those little lumps I can't imagine. But it looks horrible, even though I've spent the last ten minutes trying to squash them.' Jane had to laugh; the incident was what was necessary to dispel her gloom, but she was contrite and apologetic as she followed him into the 'kitchen' where the evening meal was being prepared. 'I don't know how I could possibly have forgotten,' she said, going over to examine the pan of gravy. 'Do you mind if I throw it out and begin all over again?' 'I'll be heartily relieved to see the back of it!' He frowned and paused a moment. 'The juice from the meat's in there.' 'We have some meat extract. It won't be quite the same, but it'll do.' She donned an apron and began making the gravy. Tim was canrving the joint of beef, but after a small silence he said, 'Where did you go this afternoon?' 'Up to the Citadel of Mycenae.' 'Mycenae?' He glanced up swiftly, the knife idle in his hand. 'You saw Dr. Vallas, then?' Caution wrapped itself round Jane like a cloak. 'Dr. Vallas?' she repeated, playing for time. 'I heard him telling Miss Gilbert he was going up there. He always leaves word with her like that, in case he's needed.' The knife was still poised; Tim's regard was searching and

Jane bent her head over the stove, feigning absorption in her task. But Tim was waiting and Jane found herself in a quandary. Stupid to prevaricate like that. It served no useful purpose and Tim was sure to suspect a reason for it. However, there was nothing to do except admit that she had seen Nickolas up at the Citadel, at which Tim said, a peculiar edge to his voice, 'So you were up there with him for the whole of the afternoon?' 'Yes - we toured the site together.'He resumed his carving, but Jane knew his thoughts were otherwise engaged. 'Do you mind telling me why you hesitated just now when I asked if you'd seen Dr. Vallas at Mycenae?' 'I don't want Pauline to know,' she replied after a small pause. 'You mustn't tell her, Tim, promise?' 'I wonder why he didn't take her?' muttered Tim to himself. 'He knew she was off this afternoon. If he cared anything about her. ...' He tailed off, hope in his eyes as he looked at Jane. Her throat went dry. She just had to tell him, had to destroy this rising dream which could come to nothing. 'He did ask her to go out with him, but she refused—' 'Refused?' 'You see, I'd already asked her to come with me, and she'd refused. She seemed to think it would be wrong to accept Nickolas's invitation after telling me she preferred to spend the afternoon resting.' 'I see.' Tim began stacking the sliced meat on a dish he had taken from the oven. 'So there is something between them.'

'You've already accepted that, Tim,' she reminded him gently. 'Pauline's very confident about making her home in Greece. She mentioned it to me earlier.' 'I'm a fool,' he sighed, putting the meat in the oven. 'I suppose one goes on hoping until the last moment. I'll accept it when they're married; I'll have to then.' When they were married. ... Tim at the wedding ... and she herself. Well, it would not be the first time such a thing had happened, thought Jane, resolving to be strong. Tears had overwhelmed her once, in that uncontrolled moment after Tim had almost violently asked her to do something to help Pauline - Pauline who did not require help. Yes, she had wept bitter tears, reflected Jane, and they had not helped. Her heart would always be heavy with the weight of despair, and to weep was useless. Yet there were times when, thinking of Nickolas, her lids would ache unbearably and it took all her self-control to force back the tears striving for release. 'You won't mention to Pauline that I was with Nickolas this afternoon?' she begged at last. 'It would only hurt her - and also it would seem I had some motive for deliberately refraining from mentioning it.' 'I won't say anything - though I fail to see how it could hurt her.' 'Perhaps it wouldn't,' shrugged Jane after a moment's thought. 'Nevertheless, she can't be told now because, as I've said, I avoided mentioning it at the time.' 'I wonder why you did avoid mentioning it.' Tim put the dinner plates into the warm drawer and straightened up. 'It seems most odd that you should have done so, now I come to think more about it.'

Jane caught her breath involuntarily. Tim was astute, as had been proved by his quick sizing up of the position between Jane and her fiance, and later by his perception of what was happening to Pauline. Could it be that he was now grasping the fact of her own unhappy state? 'I didn't want her to be in any way - jealous,' mumbled Jane, her head becoming lowered as she stirred the gravy. 'But if she's so sure of Nickolas she wouldn't be jealous, would she?' 'No... I suppose not.' A swift glance from Tim, and then a long moment of silence before he said, very softly, 'There couldn't be any other reason, could there, Jane?' 'I don't think I understand?' she parried, trying to assume an innocent front."'You're talking in riddles, Tim.' 'I am?' For a space Tim busied himself with the vegetables, straining them and putting them on a tow light to dry. 'I do feel,' he decided at last, 'that your first Inclination was to save Pauline any hurt—' He stopped, and continued with a strong emphasis on -his next words, 'But I also feel that, perhaps quite subconsciously on your part, you had another reason for wanting to keep your little outing with Nickolas all to yourself.' He looked directly at her, a profound warning in his eyes. 'Don't, for God's sake, fall in love with him! It's bad enough one of us going through this hell; I wouldn't wish such a thing to happen to you. In fact,' he added with a slight shudder, 'I wouldn't wish this state of mind on my worst enemy.' She made no comment; it was sufficient that he had not guessed the whole, that he believed his warning to be in time. She glanced round;

the others were coming in for their meal and Nickolas and Pauline were together, discussing the latest chapter in his book. Jane was glad at being saved any further speech with Tim. She would take good care that such a conversation never cropped up between them again. Her love for Nickolas was her own secret - and she meant to keep it that way.

CHAPTER EIGHT BY the end of May everything of value had been removed from the tomb and the men were busy restoring the landscape to its original appearance. By this time next year the farmer would be using his land again and the treasures unearthed would be in the museum. Six weeks had elapsed since the day Nickolas and -Jane toured the Citadel of Mycenae together, and nothing more had been said about another outing. In fact, Nickolas was no more than coolly polite to Jane these days and it seemed almost as if he regretted that temporary discarding of his veneer of aloof austerity. With Pauline he was kindness itself. He smiled at her in a way that set her heart fluttering; he never treated her to the 'pounces and snarls' which every single one of the others received at times. Jane herself came in for her share, and on one particular occasion the stern dressing-down almost reduced her to tears. She had packed some vases and boxed them ready for inclusion in the next consignment to be sent away and for some reason Nickolas decided to open the box up and examine the packing. Jane found herself waiting with quickening heartbeats for what she knew must come. But the astounded moments passed slowly as Nickolas stood there, the vase in his hand, and Jane was actually trembling by the time he did speak, 'What sort of packing is this?' he inquired with softly pronounced sarcasm. 'Some new idea of your own?' She swallowed hard. He was standing over her as she sat at the table; he was far too tall - and menacing - and Jane began to stammer, 'I couldn't d-do anything else—'

'Not do anything else?' He stared at her in angry disbelief. 'You know by now how a vase should be packed for transit!' 'Yes, I do, but—' 'Then explain this, if you please!' The vase was wrapped in cotton wool and lay in the cardboard box, but by rights it should have been packed in a special wrapper which, when clipped at the' bottom, provided a cushion of air between the object and the wrapping. 'We've mislaid the stapler, so I had to pack them like this. I'm sure they'll be all right. ...' She tailed off, lowering her head. It was unfortunate that Nickolas was already in a bad humour, one of the men having dropped a very beautiful perfume jar, reducing it to fragments. 'Mislaid the stapler?' He looked as if he could not take in that piece of information. 'And so you decided to use your own method of packing, did you?' 'We can't get hold of another stapler, Dr. Vallas, so—' 'Then get that one found! Turn this place inside out - but find it! And do every one of these again, and let me see them before they're finally put in the case;!' 'We've searched everywhere for the stapler,' she began, when once again she was interrupted. 'The stapler hasn't vanished into thin air! It's somewhere about. Now, find it!' And on that he strode from the shed, most probably to vent his anger on some other unfortunate assistant.

As it turned out Miss Gilbert had borrowed the stapler for something of her own and left it in her hut. And although she knew Jane was searching for it she had completely forgotten having borrowed it, so Jane had at last to abandon the search. When the search was resumed, after Nickolas's visit, Miss Gilbert remembered having borrowed the stapler and it was duly brought back. Jane was naturally in a temper and, still smarting under Nickolas's rebuke, she gave Miss Gilbert a piece of her mind. 'I asked you if you'd seen it,' she snapped, 'several times, and you didn't take the slightest notice! I've a good mind to go to Dr. Vallas and tell him it was all your fault!' 'You're a bad-tempered one,' returned the older woman. 'I'll be relieved when you're gone - and thank goodness I shan't have long to wait.' 'Don't change the subject! What have you to say about keeping this stapler in your hut?' 'Anyone can forget.' Miss Gilbert glared at her. 'If you don't curb that tongue of yours, young woman, it'll be I who'll be reporting you to Dr. Vallas. We don't have disunity in this outfit - at least, we didn't have until you came.' Presently her temper subsided and Jane began unpacking the earthenware vases and doing them up in the correct manner. When they were finished she had of course to call in Nickolas and have them 'passed'. That's better.' Having rested during the afternoon he was in consequence in a less formidable mood. But his voice held its customary impersonal curtness, although its deep rich quality remained, and nothing could disguise that attractive accent. 'Don't ever do a thing like that again, Miss Bryant. There's a correct method of

packing and none but that will satisfy me. You should have known this, having worked for me for almost six months.' 'I'm sorry,' she murmured, but he was already going out and she knew he hadn't heard. She watched his tall figure as he made his way to his office, noticed the easy swinging gait and long, silent-strides. Truly he had an air of majesty about him, and of great power as Well. But what sort of husband would he make? He had a temper - and tempers were permanent characteristics; they came into evidence whenever something annoyed or irritated ... and with Nickolas things quite often annoyed or irritated. Still, Pauline must have realized this; she knew what she was doing. Hadn't she remarked on his dictatorial manner? - saying she would have to 'stand' it? Later that day Jane found herself alone with Stuart. This did not happen very often, for both of them now avoided such a situation, and Jane suddenly felt awkward with Stuart for the first time since she had met him. Watching her rising colour, he said shortly, 'What's the matter with you? You're not suddenly finding yourself embarrassed in my company, surely?' 'Why should I?' He stirred impatiently. 'We're never alone these days, for one thing.' 'No, Stuart, we're never alone.' 'And you don't care that we're - er - strained like this?'

Jane looked at him, noting the tiny spots of anger in his cheeks and the glint in his eyes. And for some reason a strange sadness swept over her. They had truly believed themselves to be in love; had been gay and happy in each other's company. Jane had been thrilled on becoming engaged, Stuart had been proud to introduce her as his fiancee. How sad it was when two people such as they began to realize that a mistake had been made. It took a certain strength to accept it and further courage was required to make the effort to rectify that mistake. Far easier to carry on in the same old way, to shirk an admission of defeat. Was Stuart hurt? she wondered. Was this all her fault? - or had he failed her in Some way? He had loved her in the only way he knew, had given to his full capacity. .His full capacity had not heen sufficient for Jane, and she knew for sure that the position in which they now found themselves resulted from some dawning perception within herself. The realization that this perception had originated only from those words uttered by Tim filled Jane with a deep sense of guilt. For it seemed to her that had she never met Tim she would ' have remained satisfied with her lot. Stuart was waiting, as they stood there by the shed, with the crimson clouds of sunset Ranging above the swiftly-falling sun, and the mountains glowing like burning coals in the distance. 'I agree we're strained,' she murmured, stirring the dusty earth with her foot. 'I tried to tell you, Stuart—' 'That you're throwing me over?' Involuntarily she nodded, miserable and contrite. 'We'd only make a mistake if we married.' He looked down, observing the little ring she had unconsciously made in the sand at her feet.

'You loved me once, Jane - before we came to this place. What's happened?' Jane paused; her eyes fixed pensively on a woman riding a white donkey down the hillside. A dog ran alongside her, its bones almost protruding through its skin. 'I believe that in real love there is more to give than you and I have found to give to one another. What we have known seems - shallow—' Jane broke off, frowning in thought for a space before she continued, 'Shallow isn't the right word.' She looked up at him, her lovely eyes wide and troubled. 'Does it never strike you, Stuart, that had we been madly in love we couldn't have added this extra year to the waiting? In fact, there really was nothing to prevent our marrying before we came out here.' 'Marry - with nothing?' He shook his head emphatically. 'One must practise caution. I'm not the man to fly headlong into marriage without first having a home and what goes with it. Oh, yes, you once remarked about your continuing to work, but babies have a habit of putting in an appearance, and what price your working then?' They could have waited to start a family, she almost said, but checked herself. She and Stuart were finished; marriage and family-raising were no longer subjects for them to discuss. 'What do you want me to say?' she inquired pleadingly, spreading her hands. 'There's nothing, Stuart. .. She saw the movement in his throat, and the atmosphere around them became fraught with an emotion engulfing them both. He made a move to take her in his arms; she didn't shrink or move at all, but his arms fell to his sides again in a helpless despairing gesture. Was he genuinely hurt? Jane asked herself again. Or did he merely believe himself to be hurt?

'I suppose it's better to have discovered our mistake now,' he said tonelessly, 'before we become more deeply enmeshed.' Jane could not speak, because a lump blocked her throat. And after a while Stuart's voice penetrated her unhappy thoughts again as he asked her to continue as they were until the end of the dig and they returned to their own country. 'There's already been a nine days' wonder over the disclosure of what we did,' he went on. 'This is a small, close-knit community and gossip is naturally to be expected. But for myself I don't want any more of it. Will you do this, Jane? It isn't asking too much, is it?' 'Of course not,' she responded hastily, lifting her ' eyes to his face. 'There's no reason why we should break right now, on this instant.' 'Thank you, Jane.' He took her hand and said, 'Let's go for a walk. The evening's too beautiful to waste.' He smiled then, and her own lips curved. Relief spread over her even before Stuart spoke again, this time in an almost flippant tone, 'Aren't you glad it isn't your turn for preparing the evening meal? Poor Guy and Pauline - sweating over that hot stove!' She managed a laugh in response to his. The atmosphere was still tense and strained, but this reverting to a lightness, however forced, helped the situation enormously and once or twice as they walked along, still holding hands, their laughter rang out across the camp. Nickolas heard it from where he sat outside his hut ; his dark eyes followed them as they traversed a nearby rise. Jane turned her head, her whole heart and mind affected by his keen interest and regard. She was happier now, though, than she would have been a few weeks ago, for at that time Nickolas believed her to be having an affair with Stuart, whereas now he believed them to be engaged and, therefore, would see no reason why they should not be walking together like this.

The following day Pauline complained of feeling off colour and by the late afternoon she was too lethargic to carry on with her work. Deeply concerned, Nickolas sent for Jane and told her to get Pauline to bed, and an hour later he was standing beside Pauline's bunk, gazing down at her in critical observation. 'I'm sure I don't know what it is,' he said at last. 'If you don't improve by tomorrow morning we'll get a doctor.' The doctor arrived during the afternoon of the following day, but decided there was nothing seriously wrong with Pauline. 'It does seem to me,' he told Jane when they were outside the hut, 'that she's suffering from some sort of mental thing-a melancholia—' 'Melancholia!' Jane blinked at him. 'No such thing, Dr. Rousakis; Pauline is just as happy as it's possible to be.' But the grey-haired doctor was shaking his head. 'I know better than you, young lady. Your friend is fretting over something. However,' he added, walking to his car and obviously expecting Jane to follow him, 'it isn't only that. She's thoroughly run-down physically. This climate doesn't suit everyone, you know, and we've had an unusually hot spell lately. Give hen the tablets I'll be sending along in the morning, and see that she remains in bed until I come again in about a week's time.' 'A week? Won't you be coming before then?' 'No need. She requires rest, and some good food wouldn't do her any harm. Why isn't she eating?' Jane frowned uncomprehendingly.' 'She is eating - as far as I know.'

'As far as you know? Why, do you sit and watch her eat?' His grey brows knit together as a deep frown creased his bronzed and sun-dried brow. ' 'Well... no, I don't actually watch her, but—' 'Then you can't say whether she eats or npt, can you?' he asked disconcertingly. 'No, I can't,' she agreed hastily, anxious to bring the conversation to an end. 'Then why did you say she was eating?' Jane did not make any effort to reply to that and he added shortly, 'See that she does eat from now on. Milk - you can get some of the fresh stuff in the village - and eggs. Make her some custard puddings.' And with that he slid into his car and drove away, sending up a cloud of dust in his wake. Custard puddings … He'd been to England, then - or somewhere where this food was served, for one rarely saw custard puddings in Greece. Jane did as she was told and served up the pudding to Pauline for her lunch. She turned away, shuddering as if faced with a dose Of poison. 'Dr. Rousakis says you haven't been eating.' Jane stood by the bunk, her gaze frowning and puzzled 'Why haven't you been eating, Pauline?' 'Because I wasn't hungry, obviously. There's no other reason why one doesn't eat.' 'There's always a reason for one not being hungry. Why weren't you hungry?'

Pauline sighed, and brought the cover up over her mouth. 'I've been off-colour for some time.' Jane's eyes flickered to the small beads of perspiration standing out on Pauline's forehead. 'Why didn't you mention it?' 'Because I had work to do. I couldn't let Nickolas down.' Jane shook her head in a gesture of slight impatience. 'He wouldn't want you to work if you were feeling ill. You should have told him, Pauline.' 'I couldn't let him down,' she repeated, and turned over in the bed so that her back was to Jane. 'You must eat,' Jane persisted. 'The doctor told me to cook this egg and milk for you—'' 'I don't want it!' 'Pauline—' 'Oh, go away and leave me alone! I've told you I'm not hungry!' This was not like the gentle Pauline, and a strange foreboding entered into Jane. Was she more seriously ill than the doctor believed? He had certainly been right when he mentioned the word melancholia, for Pauline was just about as low, mentally, as she could be. Why? Only one reason that Jane could see. Nickolas was taking far too long in making known his feelings. From remarks Pauline had made Jane surmised she had expected some brisk reaction on Nickolas's part

when the truth was revealed and he was no longer under the illusion that she was married. But nothing much had happened - at least, nothing concrete. True, Nickolas gave Pauline the sort of glances no one else received; he also spoke far more gently to her than to any of the others. He praised her work, he sat next to . her at dinner - the only meal the whole camp took together. He Was with her more than with anyone else, but this meant nothing because they were working on his book, and whoever had been his secretary would have been working closely with him in this way. A tingling sensation took possession of Jane as at last she moved resignedly away from the bed, the custard pudding in her hand. Was it possible that Nickolas had no real interest in Pauline other than that of ail employer? She was an excellent worker, had been of enormous help to him and naturally he'd be grateful.... In the beginning his emotion had been one of pity, as he believed Pauline to be a betrayed wife. Jane herself, When musing on this, had accepted the fact that pity was akin to love, and that it would not be surprising if in Nickolas's case the transition had been made. But now doubts assailed Jane, and she was afraid for Pauline - very desperately afraid. She had known from the first that Pauline would be unbearably hurt were her ambitions not to materialize. Made of very different stuff from Jane, she would not possess the strength to weather the blow, but would succumb to the battering, going under without even a fight. Returning to the kitchen, Jane put, the dish of custard in the cupboard and went in search of Nickolas. He was talking to an archaeologist friend, Dr. Petros Skoulas, who had made a special journey from northern Greece in order to view the splendid finds unearthed by Nickolas. Jane had knocked on the office door and actually opened it when she realized Nickolas was not alone.

'I'm sorry,' she said hastily, and would have closed the door and retreated had not Nickolas called her into the room. After introducing her to Dr. Skoulas he immediately inquired about Pauline. 'She's not at all well, Dr. Vallas,' she told him, her voice low and troubled. 'The doctor says she must eat, but she won't.' 'Hmm.... I'll go over later and have a look at her. I hope it's not too serious, for we really haven't much comfort here.' Turning to his friend, he explained that they had an assistant ill in the camp. And then he asked Jane if she would mind making them some tea. v

'Of course not. Would you like anything to eat?'

'Just a biscuit or something, please, Miss Bryant.' 'Extraordinarily good-looking girl—' Jane heard the remark as she left the hut and a flush spread over her cheeks. Dr. Skoulas's eyes had roved her figure the whole time. She doubted whether he had even glanced at her face! After taking in the tray Jane went back to Pauline. She was lying on her back, looking up at the skylight, and her swollen eyes told their own tale. 'How do you feel?' Jane placed a cool hand on her forehead. 'Have you any pain?' Dully Pauline shook her head. 'No, I've no pain.' And yet a great sob escaped her.

Jane bit her lip, she sought vainly for a way of handling this situation. But how could she question Pauline? It was impossible, so she merely said, 'Do you think you could eat something now?' 'No, thank you.' A small sigh, and then, 'Nickolas is coming over to see you soon—' 'He is?' The dull eyes brightened. 'He said so?' 'Yes. He's with a visitor at present; otherwise I'm sure he'd have been over before now.' 'Did he seem worried about me?' 'I expect he's very worried,' Jane assured her soothingly. 'Yes, I expect he is.' But even as she spoke two great tears rolled down Pauline's cheeks. 'He'd be worried about anyone who was ill, wouldn't he, Jane? If you or Guy or - or any of the others was ill....' She tailed off, her words ending on a broken little sob. 'Naturally he'd be worried about anyone who was ill here, because we haven't the facilities for looking after them.' Her voice was soft yet guarded. The conversation was difficult, for Pauline must on no account be hurt. 'But I'm sure he's especially worried because it's you who happens to be ill.' Pauline looked up at her, and shook her head in a gesture of abject misery. 'You're just saying that because you're kind and - and feeling. I don't believe he's any more worried about me than anyone else.' The

admission left Jane speechless. Her suspicions had been correct, then. Nickolas had no interest in Pauline other than as his secretary, and Pauline was aware of this. How long had she known? In the beginning she had seemed so sure, and at one time her optimism had fairly bubbled over. Pauline had looked so lovely then, so happy and starry- eyed. Jane glanced down at her and gave a deep intake of her breath. What could she do for Pauline? How could she help to relieve this anguish? Jane's attention was arrested as someone came stealthily to the window. Tim. ... She rose instantly and went outside. 'How is she?" Tim's face was pale and drawn. 'I Was working when the doctor arrived, but I'm free for a short while now. What did the doctor say?" 'It's nothing serious - at least,' Jane amended swiftly, 'there's nothing physically wrong with her, but the doctor seems to think she's suffering from - from a sort of depression.' 'Depression?' he frowned. 'I don't understand.' Jane glanced over her shoulder, as if half expecting Pauline to come outside, clad only in her nightgown. 'Let's move from here.' Suiting action to her words Jane walked away from the hut, stopping by Tim's own sleeping place. There's no way of smoothing this over, Tim, so I'm not going to try. Bluntly the position is this: Pauline has come to the conclusion that Nickolas doesn't care for her and she's suffering from melancholia. That's the word the doctor used. Also, she hasn't been eating—'

'I knew that, because I watched her at dinner every single evening. I remarked on it because I was dreadfully worried. She told me to mind my own business; she was slimming.' 'Slimming?' Jane's eyes opened very wide, as well they might. 'I knew. She's like a lath as it is.' He paused a moment, frowning heavily. 'Melancholia, eh? As for Nickolas caring for her - well; I'm surprised at the way things have turned out, because I did begin to think he cared. On the other hand, I said right at the start that he had no time for marriage and that Pauline was going to be damnably hurt.' He looked at Jane, his eyes dark with anxiety. 'What must I do? Will she even give me a glance in her present mood?' 'I believe she'll welcome a little attention, Tim,' she returned softly, sending up a fervent prayer that she may be right. 'She's on her own now, brooding, I shouldn't wonder, and if you sat with her a while....' 'Ask her if she wants me,' he urged as Jane tailed off significantly. 'Much as I love her I'm not going in there unless I know I'll be welcome.' More than once he'd been snubbed, Jane knew, and she only hoped there was not to be a repetition as, a moment later, she re-entered the hut and asked Pauline if she would like him to sit with her for a while. Frowning, Pauline began to shake her head, but she suddenly changed her mind, agreeing, and at the same time asking for a brush and comb. Jane produced these and Pauline tidied her hair. 'A bedjacket?' asked Jane, going to one of the two small cupboards in the corner of the hut. 'Yes; the pink one, please.'

After fixing it round her shoulders Jane put the brush and comb away and called to Tim. He came slowly, and a little lumberingly, as if he carried some heavy weight upon his shoulders. Jane shook her head from side to side, her eyes pensive and dark. If only Pauline knew how lucky she was ! But she didn't know Tim loved her - and even had she known she would not have considered herself lucky, for it was Nickolas's love for which she so desperately yearned. 'Hello, Pauline.' Tim was awkward, which was understandable, and Jane fetched a chair for him, placing it by the bed. 'Hello, Tim.' Pauline never even glanced at him as she added tonelessly, 'It's kind of you to come and see me.' Jane left them and went back to her work, but later in the day she saw Nickolas striding over to where Pauline lay. From the window of the shed in which she was busily engaged in cleaning the hard mud off a beautiful golden goblet, Jane watched breathlessly to see how long he would stay. Tim would already have gone because he was on duty again at five o'clock. Nickolas did not stay long and as he came from Pauline's hut he glanced abound as if looking for somebody. Then he made for the shed where Jane was and entered quietly, speaking at once. 'I think Pauline must be taken to the hospital. We can't look after her here.' He sounded heartless, she thought, her eyes flying to his. The stern hard mouth was set, those metallic eyes more steely than ever. What had occurred during his short visit to Pauline? 'Have you told her this?' 'I suggested it.' His lips snapped together. 'She didn't want to go.'

'Must she go, Dr. Vallas? She isn't all that ill, and I can do..what's necessary. The doctor merely ordered her to remain in bed; he didn't say any special attention was required.' He hesitated. The impression that he was angry slowly faded as his mouth relaxed. He still remained undecided, however, as, picking up the goblet which Jane had placed on the table, he began to examine it, taking in every detail of the exquisite workmanship. The stem was twisted and it was from the tiny crevices that Jane had been removing the mud. The handles were four in number and each was a dove, facing outwards, so that the actual part which would be gripped was the neck and beak. 'Beautiful. ...' He was away, forgetful of the conversation and the; girl it concerned. His thoughts were with those who had used this magnificent goblet - which was probably only one of a set, the others having been stolen, or lost in remote antiquity. Several minutes elapsed as he stood there lost in thought, and Jane would never have dared Weak into the silence. He was in fact totally unaware of her presence, or that numerous other such precious objects lay all about the shed - on shelves and tables, in boxes and crates, with things like swords and other weapons even hanging on the walls, 'You're making v an excellent job of this, Miss Bryant,' he commented when at last he laid it down on the table in front of her. She tilted her head to look into his face, and at the unexpected smile appearing she experienced once again the pulsing intensity of his power, his force, and the influence he had exerted on her at that first meeting in the lecture room at the university. Her heart thudded and her whole body quivered. With that quick snap of will-power one employs when breaking a nightmare she cast all emotion out and asked again if it were really necessary for Pauline to be sent away. 'She needs care,' he frowned, and there was a distinctly significant quality in his voice. .Nevertheless, he was weakening, a circumstance

which naturally gave Jane a little shock of surprise. She spoke quickly, in case he should revert to his more familiar attitude of inflexibility. 'I'll take care of her, Dr. Vallas.' A small silence; Jane added persuasively, 'She'll be far happier here, with her friends.' 'Yes, I suppose she will. Very well, Miss Bryant, she can stay.' On reaching the door he turned. 'Do you type?' he wanted to know. 'I - type?' Something in her throat held back further words for a space, and then, haltingly, 'A - a 1-little, Dr. Vallas.' 'Good. Report to my office in the morning instead of coming here. You can take over the work Pauline's been doing.' 'Oh, but—' He had gone, and as she watched his disappearing figure through the open door her heart began its thudding again. To work with him, be in close contact for long hours. 'I won't do it,' she whispered fiercely. 'I'll tell him in the morning!' He couldn't make her do the work - he believed he could, that was for sure, but she would very soon disabuse him! 'I couldn't - it's not humanly possible ! I can't -I won't!'

CHAPTER NINE JANE'S vehement declaration was more easily made than carried out. On reporting to Nickolas's office the following morning she found a note on his desk giving her instructions and informing her that Nickolas would not be back until late that night as he was dining with some friends who lived in Nauplia. Undecided, Jane stood there a long while, by the desk, glancing at the small pile of hand-written sheets which Nickolas had placed by the typewriter. If only she had not made that admission! It wasn't as if she was fast or even efficient; she made numerous mistakes whenever she typed - and the pages looked so untidy with all that rubbing out. Nevertheless, she was able to type, so she could not have told Nickolas a deliberate lie. Idly she turned over the first page, her eyes flickering interestedly as she read on, turning page after page, unable to leave it alone. And at last, shrugging resignedly, she sat down and took the cover off the typewriter. Tim came in during the morning with her coffee. She had told him what she had been asked to do and advised him not to mention anything about it to Pauline. 'No,' he had agreed. 'She mustn't know, not in her present mood.' She smiled and thanked him for the coffee, asking if he had been in to Pauline this morning. 'I've been over twice,' she said, 'and she seemed a little more cheerful the second time. I think she managed to have a sleep.' 'I've been in, yes,' he said, taking a seat on the corner of the table. 'You know, Jane, she was heading for a breakdown.'

'A - nervous breakdown, you mean?' He nodded. 'Stuart says she suffered from nerves when she was small. Was always frightened in the dark, and would scream if she so much as saw a shadow.' 'I didn't know that,' returned Jane, surprised. 'She's a rather timid girl, but I wouldn't have thought she suffered from nerves.' 'When she was young, I said, not now.' Tim's voice had a sharpened edge and Jane smiled to herself. Nerves in a woman was always something their menfolk liked to hide. 'Did you find her more cheerful when you went in?' she asked, picking up her coffee cup and holding it to her lips. 'Much more cheerful than yesterday.' He paused a moment, his eyes taking on a brooding expression. 'What about Nickolas? Is she right when she concludes that he doesn't return her love?' . 'He wanted her to go to hospital.' 'I see.... That seems to prove my point, don't you agree?'.. 'Yes, I do. But he did lead her on,' she could not help adding indignantly. 'In what way?' 'Marty ways. He was always so kind, and tolerant with her - much more tolerant than with any of us, you must agree?' and when he nodded, 'He always sat with her at dinner, and he called her Pauline.'

'I don't see how you can call that leading her on. As regards the sitting with her at dinner - that was so they could discuss his book.' 'It was?' Oddly, Jane herself had wondered if that could be the reason. 'Certainly it was. I'll bet Nickolas knows nothing about the reason for this illness of Pauline's. He'd probably be appalled - and disgusted, I should think, knowing him the way I do - were he to learn that she had a crush on him, a crush that had resulted in this state of near-breakdown.' Jane became thoughtful, recalling Nickolas's shortness of manner after he had come from his brief visit to Pauline. 'Has Pauline said anything about Nickolas?' she inquired, speaking her thoughts aloud. 'She said he visited her yesterday after the doctor had been—' He broke off, frowning. 'She was very reticent about it, though, and I couldn't draw her out, even though I tried.' A forlorn note crept into his voice as he added, looking straight at Jane, 'Is there any chance at all for me, do you think? You're a woman, and you know a woman's feelings. Will she ever get over this sufficiently to be able to look at another man?' Jane averted her head. Would she herself look at another man? Certainly not for a very long while ... if ever. From the first Nickolas had drawn her, quite unknowingly exerting a powerful influence over her and awakening emotions which would assuredly have lain dormant for ever had she not met him. And these emotions could never be stirred by any other man, of this Jane was absolutely sure. 'I don't know how to answer that question, Tim,' she said as he stirred with slight impatience, awaiting her response. 'Women don't all act the

same way in similar circumstances. Pauline's been hit really hard and could be a long while getting over it.' He watched her thoughtfully for a moment and then he said, rather gently, 'Would you ever get over it, Jane?' Her eyes flew to his; she knew again the fear that he would guess. He was merely waiting, however, with no hint of a secret knowledge in his mild and patient stare. 'Frankly, Tim, I don't think I would.' He smiled then, a quick attractive smile, and Jane wished Pauline could know how lucky she was to be loved by someone as nice as Tim. 'But you wouldn't go under, would you, Jane? Pauline isn't as strong as you, and yet, curious as it might seem, I'm grateful for it. You'd carry your burden and scorn any help; Pauline will come in time td accept help - I feel this, Jane. And I pray for it, because she's the only girl for me.' Those last words came from the soul, they were a cry of anguish, and of hope. Jane's eyes filled up; she said softly, and with a depth of sincerity and feeling in her voice, 'I hope you're right, Tim. I hope she turns to you... and soon, very soon.' And after a while it did seem that Pauline Was beginning to turn to Tim for help. After long hours of dull apathy, when she would lie so still on her bunk that she appeared almost lifeless, she would brighten a little on seeing Tim enter the hut. He would sit with her, and gradually the haunted expression lifted from his face, replaced by optimism as the days went by and Pauline's bright spells increased in number and in length. But on odd occasions Jane would enter the hut and find her sobbing uncontrollably into her pillow.

'I said I'd die if he didn't love me,' she cried one day, flinging herself against Jane as she sat on the edge of the bed. 'I said it, and I meant it!' Jane's arms encircled her comfortingly. If only Nicholas knew what havoc he had wrought! With her own heart heavy and despair enveloping her like some black veil, Jane spoke soothing words to Pauline, murmuring now and then that she did have Tim, who was surely becoming more than a friend. She spoke guardedly, supporting Tim's cause, but in the most subtle way. 'More than a friend?' Pauline stopped weeping and drew away. 'Why do you say that?' 'Isn't it obvious? He's nice, Pauline — gentle and patient and - sort of soft....' 'Soft?' Pauline dwelt on this for a space and then, in a wondering tone, 'You're right, he is ... soft. Just the opposite to Nickolas,...' Jane's eyes kindled strangely; she remembered Pauline's saying she would have to 'stand' Nickolas's mastery. 'The exact opposite,' she agreed in guarded tones. If only she could exaggerate Nickolas's dominating personality then she would again be furthering Tim's cause. 'Life with Nickolas would be far from pleasant, Pauline, you must have realized that?' 'I have, b-but I st-still love him....' Another bout of weeping; Jane produced a handkerchief and wafted in silence for the tears to cease. 'I don't know why I love him,' Pauline then continued between the sobs which still racked her body. 'He's really a most horrid man!' 'Horrid?' Jane's eyes opened very wide indeed. For Pauline to say a thing like this! It was scarcely credible.

'I didn't tell you, because I felt so small and ashamed, but he was quite hateful with me that day after the doctor had been. It could have been my fault at first,' Pauline reluctantly admitted on seeing Jane's quick glance of interrogation. 'I was so distraught because he hadn't come straight away to see me—'' 'He had a visitor, Pauline, I told you that.' 'I forgot, because I couldn't think. So I began complaining.' 'You did?' Jane was rather appalled at that admission. She could not visualize Nickolas accepting a complaint very calmly. 'Yes. And he looked so staggered that I knew at once he had never for one single moment considered, me in that sort of light. And then, after he'd recovered from his surprise, he became so stiff, and I knew instinctively that he was angry and irritated at learning I was in love with him.' Her voice was husky with emotion and suppressed tears and for a moment she had difficulty in continuing. 'He then callously suggested I go into hospital was only because he wanted to get rid of me, so I started to cry. That annoyed him even more, and - and he just walked out and l-left m-me.' Jane remained thoughtfully silent, recalling her own curiosity as to what had taken place during Nickolas's visit to Pauline. He had appeared quite heartless, she remembered. His mouth had been set and his eyes hard as he told Jane he thought Pauline should be taken to hospital. Pauline was sobbing, more quietly now, and Jane laid her back on the pillow. 'It's time for your tablets,' she said, rising. 'I'll fetch you a drink.'

'Do you despise me, Jane?' and without affording her time to reply Pauline went on, 'You can't help falling in love. It's something stronger than yourself. You must know, being in love with Stuart....' Jane went out to make the drink; her face was pale and as Guy came up to her on his Way to the office he remarked on it, adding, 'I hope Pauline's not got anything contagious. The quack doesn't seem to know what's wrong with her - and you look damned awful!' 'Thanks!' She glared at him. 'If I want flattery I'll know where to come!' 'I say—' He stared at her unbelievingly. 'Can't see why that temper of yours should come into evidence just for a thing like that—' 'You never tell a woman she looks awful,' interrupted Jane scathingly, 'even if she's dying!' Guy shrugged his shoulders. 'Women!' he muttered disparagingly, and walked on. When Jane returned with the drink and the tablets Pauline was sitting up in bed, combing her hair. Her face was blotched but more composed and she actually managed a wan smile as Jane handed her the tablets. 'Tim just popped his head round the door. He'll be having his coffee break in ten minutes and he's coming in to sit with me.' 'Good.' Jane cast her a critical glance. 'You'll have to bathe that face and put some make-up on.'

'He's already seen my face. And he didn't even remark on it.' Jane said nothing and Pauline added, 'As you say, Jane, he's nice - not like Nickolas, who's so hard and unfeeling. He'd have domineered me, I know—' Pauline broke off and it was some moments before she collected herself. 'He would - if I'd married him, don't you think so, Jane?' 'There's no doubt about it. As I've said, life with Nickolas would have been far from pleasant. His wife would have to know her place, because he's a Greek, remember, and the Greeks keep their women right under their thumbs.' With extreme satisfaction Jane saw that her words were making a deep impression and decided a few more would not come amiss. 'Just think how he snaps - why, he's far more often uncivil than civil, so what would his poor wife have to suffer? Her life would be a misery! And she'd be neglected, Pauline, because he really has no time for anything else but his work.' Pauline was very quiet, not troubling to make any comment for a while, but at last she said, with a quite uncharacteristic hint of malice, 'Well, there's one section of his work that's suffering by my absence. His book's at a standstill - and I'm glad!' Jane took Pauline's empty glass from her hand, hesitating uncertainly. The book was going well, the sheets not being turned out quite as immaculately as those which Pauline had typed, but Nickolas seemed perfectly satisfied. True, Jane was much slower, but as it happened Nickolas himself had slowed down. He had to visit one or two sites before he could proceed with the chapter which he had just begun. He had suggested that Jane accompany him and although she searched for an excuse to refuse she found none, and the first trip - to the great Mycenaean palace at Tiryns - was to take place the following day. Pauline would have to know the truth, and Jane hesitated no longer.

'You've been working for him all this time?' Pauline stared in disbelief. 'And you've kept it from me? Oh, how deceitful,' she cried, tears starting to her eyes again. 'And the others - Guy and Stuart and Tim! They must have known, and they've also kept silent!' 'We agreed it was for the best, Pauline. I'm sorry....' 'You were shielding me? But I'm not a baby!' 'I'll fetch you some water and a towel,' offered Jane, having difficulty with her patience. Pauline was so trying at times— Jane checked her trend of thought. She must remember Pauline was ill, and still suffering immense hurt and humiliation. She required sympathy, and a little petting ... and these she would receive unstintingly from her adoring Tim. As she came from the hut Jane saw Nickolas striding away towards the hut in which he slept. Had he come from the office? He'd been working there when Jane left a short while ago. If he had come from his office he must have passed the door of Pauline's hut - and he had not even spared a moment to come in and inquire how she was. That was most odd, because in spite of what had happened he always popped in when passing, just to make sure Pauline was all right, for she had company only when one .or another of them was off duty.

They set off early the following morning for Tiryns; Nickolas was so stiff and cool that Jane wondered if she had done something wrong. For although he was never over-friendly he was at least pleasant these days, which was to be expected, sefcing that they had to work in the same office for the greater part of the time. The journey was not long, the Citadel of Tiryns lyiilg only eight miles south-west of Mycenae, and for the entire length of time they were in

the car not one word was spoken by Nickolas- Twice Jane had voiced some comment on the scenery, but she received no response. She cast him a sideways glance, noting the chiselled, stiffly-set profile, and wondered again if she had done something wrong. But a few mistakes in her typing would not have caused such a change in him. He overlooked her mistakes, in any case, knowing she was not an expert like Pauline. On arrival at the site Nickolas parked his car and, taking camera and notebooks and a plan of the site, he strode away, Jane having to trot now and then in order to keep pace with him. The Cyclopean walls of the Citadel rose almost overpoweringly out of the neatly-tilled fields of rich brown earth, dwarfing the buildings of the modern village. 'No wonder the ancient Greeks refused to believe human hands had made these fortifications,' gasped Jane, forgetful, for the moment, of the new atmosphere of strain which had for some unknown reason come between them. The Greeks had ascribed the work to the Cyclops, a tribe of one-eyed giants of Greek mythology. 'How did people move these massive blocks?' They had reached the entrance ramp and Nickolas stopped; But it was not with the intention of answering her question; he was merely gazing around, lost - as on another occasion - in the reconstruction of the ancient scene. Then he moved on, up the ramp to the massive gate- towers at the top. Restoration was still in progress and Nickolas's interest was entirely with this. A friend of his had been working on the site and Jane knew that his knowledge and information had been of the utmost value to Nickolas in an earlier chapter of the book.

A few tourists were about and here and there a guide could be heard telling the eager listeners that Tiryns had been Heracles' town. Here he was born, one of the numerous sons of amorous Zeus, and from here he had gone forth to do the twelve labours for his uncle, King Eurystheus. A short while later Jane and Nickolas had crossed the great courtyard and were standing in the megaron, Nickolas making notes and Jane gazing out across the vineyards to the lilac-tinted hills beyond. The sun shone brilliantly and the air was warm and crystal clear. Oleanders bloomed among the ruins and their perfume, faint and sweet, was tantalizingly elusive as now and then the breeze would carry it away. 'If you will hold this tape,' requested Nickolas icily, ' She can take some measurements. These are the dimensions I've been given, but I want to check them. These excavations are very recent, as you can see, and I don't want to make any mistakes.' Jane obliged, and she it was who took down all the measurements. The next couple of hours was spent in this way - measuring, taking notes and photographs. It was not until they were sitting down on a grassy bank, eating the sandwiches Jane had prepared, and drinking tea from their flask, that Nickolas thawed out sufficiently to talk about the palace as it had been in those ancient times when, in all its glory, it had been the second most important Citadel in the Argolid. 'The frescoes found here were just enough to tell us how these people lived - the frescoes and the grave finds, of course. There was the king, as always, on his magnificent throne - and you don't have to stretch your imagination in order to see the firelight flickering on gold and silver furniture, or to see the wall-paintings of marching spearmen, huntresses in chariots, and the Mycenaean court ladies in their wasp-waisted gowns, with their ringleted hair adorned with

magnificent jewels....' He went on, carried away, and Jane listened without so much as one word of interruption. Archaeology was in her blood just as strongly as it was in his. The difference between them was that Nickolas was an expert, employed full time on the work, whereas Jane was an amateur and this was her hobby. 'Have you any more tea in that flask?' he inquired when at last he had ended his explanation. . 'Yes, plenty.' She filled his cup; their eyes met, and his hardened again. 'Have I done anything wrong?' she ventured, handing him the cup. A small pause, and then, bluntly, 'Yesterday, Miss Bryant, I was about to drop in and see Pauline when I heard you talking - about me.' 'Oh....' Jane lowered her eyes. 'Did you? 'Your opinion of me hasn't improved, apparently.' She bit her lip, fumbling for words. That he should have come to the door just at that particular time! 'What d-did you hear?' she managed to ask at length, venturing to lift her eyes just sufficiently to regard his from under her lashes. His black brows rose. . 'How much did I hear? Is that what you mean?' he inquired disconcertingly, and the colour flooded Jane's face. 'I'm sorry, Dr. Vallas...' Allowing that almost inaudible apology to pass without comment, he said in a very soft tone,

'From the way you speak it's evident I'd been under discussion for some time before I heard your saying I was - among other things more often uncivil than civil, that my - er - poor wife would suffer, and that I should neglect her.' She became rigid with consternation, and yet at the same time she did wonder at his speaking to her like this. He was so characteristically aloof and superior that she would have imagined his keeping what he had overheard to himself. But there was often a tenseness about him lately, as if he were holding some strong emotion sternly in check. This was one of those occasions, and although the predominating emotion gripping him at present should under the circumstances be anger, Jane was convinced this was not the case. His keen eyes were fixed upon her coldly... and yet they held a distinct, shadow of reproach, as if he could not understand why those unflattering remarks should have fallen from her lips. What should she do? It suddenly seemed imperative that he learn the facts, that he should know the reason for her remarks. She must regain his esteem— But could she bring up the subject of Pauline, and her infatuation for Nickolas? Impossible. Unhappily she shook her head, and all she said was, 'I do regret your having overheard my comments, Dr. Vallas - and I apologize sincerely.' Her eyes reflected the contrition in her voice. 'Things aren't always as they appear on the surface . . . but I can't explain.' 'Things aren't always as they appear on the surface. ...' He repeated the words almost inaudibly, and somehow Jane knew he was thinking of their masquerade and the subsequent exposure resulting in his learning she was not married. Gradually the lines round his mouth relaxed and he regarded her with unusual attention.

'Obviously there's something else I don't know of, Miss Bryant?' His words invited, but she shook her head. 'It concerns someone else, Dr. Vallas, and therefore I can't discuss it.' 'I see.' Enlightenment dawned instantly, much to her dismay. She should have been more abrupt, closing the subject without trying to hint at an excuse for her conduct. 'Yes, Miss Bryant, I see very clearly.' Jane turned away in confusion, fumbling with the lid of the flask. 'I gather you were enlarging on my undesirability in order to—' He broke off, shaking his head impatiently- 'There's no tactful way of saying this that I can see.' And, immune to Jane's discomfiture, he went on to remark that he presumed her intention had been to make it easier for Pauline, Jane nodded without answering and he went on, 'Am I to take it the words I overheard do not illustrate your own personal opinion of me?' The question amazed her, yet somehow only superficially. For she was more profoundly aware of a new intimacy creeping into the conversation, an intimacy for which Nickolas alone was responsible, having shed his frigid veneer like a cloak and becoming more human than she would have believed possible a few hours earlier when he would not unbend sufficiently to respond to her conversational remarks as they travelled along in the car. She glanced at him from under her lashes. He knew that what he had overheard did not illustrate her opinion of him because she had already remarked about things not always being as they appeared on the surface. However, his stern set gaze challenged, demanding a reply and forbidding evasion, i , 'No, Dr. Vallas, what you overheard did not illustrate my own personal opinion of you.' Nickolas stretched out a hand to take up the cup he had placed on the ground beside him. Making no comment on her answer to his question,

he bristled suddenly with thinly-veiled irritation. The reason for this was clear immediately he spoke. 'How is Pauline? I didn't see her this morning before we came away.' 'Improving,' returned Jane briefly. 'What a damnable situation!' He glowered into his teacup. 'Why do women do it!' 'Do it?' Jane could instantly have bitten her tongue off. This subject should be dropped,-not encouraged. 'Fall in love with men who don't want them! It's a failing for which I can find no possible excuse.' The air around them became hushed. Jane lowered her head, concealing her heightened colour. She was conscious of the stillness, of the sun-drenched hills, gently-rolling and green, of the fragrance of pines and the inexpressible softness and clarity of the atmosphere. She was even more conscious of the man sitting opposite to her, close to her, a tinge of angry colour visible under the tan of his skin as at last she raised her head and looked at him. His eyes were intent, searching; Jane sensed a return of that tenseness which had been with him a few moments ago. And through the stillness Jane heard his question, softly-spoken in that deep rich voice of his - a question which startled even while Jane did not comprehend its significance. 'Miss Bryant... Jane, could there be anything else I don't know of ?' 'Anything else?' Bewilderedly she stared across at him, shaking her head and trying to grasp his meaning. 'No, Dr. Vallas, you know everything now.' He had called her Jane; the fact thrilled even while

she smothered that insistent little voice telling her there must be some good reason for it. Caution she must at all times practise with this man whose personality could so easily overwhelm her. One slip, one unguarded moment - and she could give herself away. No, not for her the humiliation which Pauline suffered. Pride was a barrier she meant to maintain, a possession, she was determined to keep.

CHAPTER TEN BY the middle of June most of the work was finished and all were preparing to go home. The last of the treasures had been sent away and a sad, forlorn atmosphere hung over the site as the temporary buildings were gradually being demolished. Nickolas was returning to his home on the island of Poros, intending to stay there until this present book was finished. For the time being he and Jane were the only two on the site who were busy. Jane did not mind, but the others believed he was determined to get the last ounce out of her, and that was the only reason for his making her work when the others were now going off on trips almost every day. As for Pauline, she resented not having been reinstated as Nickolas's secretary, while at the same time admitting it would have created a most awkward position between Nickolas and herself. 'I've made a complete fool of myself,' she confessed, blushing. 'And, after all, it was no more than a crush.' 'I'm glad to hear that.' Jane spoke with heartfelt relief, as she had expected Pauline to suffer for a very long while. But her common sense seemed to have overruled her infatuation, and also she had, during this period of recovery, become intensely aware of Tim's fine qualities. Their engagement would be announced on the last evening, when they attended the dinner party Nickolas had arranged for them. 'I can't believe my luck.'. Tim had come into the office, knowing Nickolas was away for the afternoon. 'I believe I've you to thank, partly, for what's happened.' 'Me?' Jane sat back in her chair and looked questioningly at him. 'Pauline told me that you had brought to her notice my - er - sterling qualities.'

'No such thing,' she laughed. 'Pauline would have been blind if she hadn't noticed them for herself.' 'It's awfully sweet of you to say that, Jane.' His good-humoured face took on a shadowed aspect as he added, with faint hesitancy, 'What about you? What are your plans?' She shrugged. 'Back to school in September.' She gave a grimace. 'Funds are getting very low, Tim. I'll just about last out - if I'm careful.' 'Stuart... you've definitely made up your mind to break the engagement?' 'It's broken - really. Stuart wanted me to leave things as they were so as to avoid gossip, and I agreed. But he's quite resigned. He knows as well as I do that we'd have made a mistake had we married.' 'I'm sure you would, Jane - and yet I do feel guilty at times. It was my fault, wasn't it?' Tim drew out a packet of cigarettes and lit one up. 'It was your doing,' she frankly admitted. 'But I think I would have discovered my mistake in any case.' Her voice was low and controlled, and yet some odd inflection in it brought a curious gleam to Tim's watchful eyes, A touch of colour had tinged her checks ; her lip quivered without her being conscious of it. He said, quietly, 'Nickolas is going to miss you. You've helped him enormously with his book.' He remained watchful, observing her eyes and her mouth and the slight movement in her throat. 'He probably has a secretary in Poros.' 'Then why didn't he bring her with him?'

She frowned. Where was this leading? 'He must have had someone to type his books.' 'He's probably sent them to an agency. With Pauline's being able to type he'd naturally make use of her.' A strange silence and then, softly, 'If he should ask you to go to Poros and stay until the book was finished, would you go?' 'No! - what are you saying? Nickolas would never ask me to go to Poros! He believes I'm engaged to Stuart, for one thing.' ' Tim drew deeply on his cigarette, his eyes never leaving Jane's flushed face. 'You idiot,' he murmured shrewdly. 'Jane ... I told you not to do it. I warned you it would be hell.' Tim closed his eyes as if he knew again the agony of loving without being loved. 'I had a hint that day - when you kept quiet about being with Nickolas during the afternoon. That's why I warned you - oh, Jane - Jane, you silly girl. He'll never marry, I told you that.' She passed her tongue over lips that had suddenly gone dry. She had known Tim was more than ordinarily observant; she should have been more careful - much more careful. 'Don't say anything to any of the others, will you, Tim?' she requested, her voice still low and controlled. 'What do you take me for?' 'I'm sorry...And as once before, in a moment of uncontrol when that cloud of pain behind her eyes had been released in tears, Jane put her face in her hands and wept.

He came to her, drawing her gently to her feet and taking her in his arms. It was a friendly, brotherly hold and she pressed against him, in a moment of uncharacteristic weakness, and derived some small comfort from the sympathy she knew he felt for her. But her weakness did not last long and within minutes she had drawn away, and was drying her eyes. 'Better?' He smiled, a rather wan smile and said in a voice edged with deep distress, 'You'll weather it, because you're strong, but you're going to suffer first - and I only wish I could do something for you, as you did for me—' A trembling little laugh cut him short. 'With you it was easy, Tim. I don't claim any credit because Pauline was a very different proposition from Nickolas. As you say, he'll never marry - he's too engrossed in his work.' Her composure had returned; only the jerky little sobs issuing from her lips betrayed the fact that her weeping had racked her whole body. 'How long, Jane?' he inquired briefly. Memory brought a twisted little smile to her lips. 'You wouldn't believe me, Tim, were I to tell you.' 'I'd believe anything you told me.' She shook her head. 'I'm sure you wouldn't.' He regarded her gravely. 'Try me,' he urged-

'From the very first moment I saw him, up on that platform at the university.' 'Jane!' he gasped as the full significance of that struck him. 'My God—! So it's been much worse for you than for Pauline. You had to watch him with her, appearing to be falling in love— Jane, my dear,' how did you stand it?' 'It was pretty grim,' she admitted frankly, the twisted little smile in evidence again. 'But,' she added on the instant, 'you went through it, too, so why should I feel sorry for myself?' ^ 'But it all came right in my case.' He fell silent, a sort of horror clouding his eyes. 'To think you were going through all that and I came to you for sympathy— And Pauline - the way you tended her.' He took her hand, holding it tightly in his. 'Jane, my dear, why didn't you say something?' 'One doesn't, Tim,' she murmured unthinkingly. 'I did.' 'So sorry. Yes, you did.' 'What are you going to do?' 'I've already said - go back to my job. That was the idea all along. This year was a sort of bonus. You know that Guy and I saved for it, we told you about it.' 'Yes.'...' He still retained her hand, and after a moment he drew her to him again. 'May I kiss you, Jane?' 'Surely it's Pauline you want to kiss.' She smiled at him with affection, and thought, 'Why couldn't I have fallen in love with someone like

you? - someone who'd love me and cherish me and who was attainable?' 'At this particular moment it's you I want to kiss.' She lifted her face and he kissed her, with great compassion and affection. 'Jane—' Tim broke off, staring at the open doorway. Swiftly they drew apart; Jane's heart was beating madly against her ribs and the hot colour flooded her cheeks. Nickolas's eyes were like cold steel, his thin lips compressed and his jaw rigid as he stood there, framed in the doorway of the shed, one hand in his pocket, the other resting on the jamb.; Jane flinched at the utter contempt in those cold eyes, and made an involuntary gesture to Tim, a gesture of silent imploration, but he seemed not to notice, so intently was his gaze fixed on the man in the doorway. 'Would one of you be good enough to explain?' The voice was a whiplash of scorn. 'Tim, I understood you were shortly to become engaged to Pauline?' 'Yes, Dr. Vallas-' 'And yet I find you flirting with - this woman!' 'Dr. Vallas! You shan't use that expression—' began Tim. 'I shall and I will.' He was livid with rage, and the hand resting on the jamb became clenched so that the knuckles shone through the skin. HP spoke to Jane. 'I once said you were the type of woman I abhor, and I

now repeat that! Is your fiance blind? Is it that he has no strength either to bring you to heel or to throw you off?' He took a stride into the room; Jane stepped back, a movement which so inflamed him that he took her by the arms and propelled her unceremoniously to the door. 'You're a disgrace to your sex! Get out - and don't let me ever see your face again!' A savage thrust and Jane was outside, regaining her balance by a miracle. Her heart thudded madly against her ribs and her legs almost refuse to function. She gave one backward glance as she began at last to move away from the shed. Tim was just standing there, his eyes wide and disbelieving. Well they might be, thought Jane tremblingly, a few moments later as she sat on her bunk, one hand to her throbbing head. For Nickolas to act like that - it was incredible! His anger was out of all proportion. Why Should he be so wildly furious? Why should he care about Stuart? It was plain that his old opinion of her had returned, owing to what he had seen, and an icy dismissal would not have been surprising. But this wrath, this harsh ungovernable fury... Automatically Jane touched her arms where his fingers had so savagely dug into them. The pain was still excruciating and tears of self-pity filled her eyes. t Pauline came in, all glowing and rosy, but she stopped abruptly, shocked by Jane's white face and the tears which now trickled down her cheeks. 'Jane, what is it?' 'Nothing,' she returned hastily, flicking the tears away with the back of her hand. 'I didn't feel too well.' 'And you certainly don't look well!'

'But I'm all right now.' Jane managed a smile and rose from the bed.'I'll go for a walk; the fresh air will do me good.' Pauline stared, as well she might, for one always had fresh air here. Mostly, they worked outside, but even if Jane was in the office she would have the door and windows open. 'Do you want me to come with you?' Jane shook her head. 'I'd rather go alone, Pauline, if you don't mind.' 'Of course. ...' She stood uncertainly by the door. 'Are you sure you're going to be all right on your own? You do look extraordinarily pale.' 'I'll be all right' She went out, into the clear crystal air; the breeze blew coolingly on her face and when the camp was left far behind she began to feel at peace. To get away ... back to her own country and live her quiet uneventful life. At present she lived at home, but a friend had asked her to share a flat. It would be nice to have her freedom, she thought. Yes, she would create a diversion for herself by setting up home with Susan ... Her thoughts trailed away and her skin prickled as she heard the sound of the car. She knew the sound of that particular engine. Nickolas going visiting; if only she had taken the other road.... Stepping to one side, she looked down at the ground, waiting for the car to pass. It stopped, right beside her, and she looked up to see Nickolas sliding from the driver's seat. What did he want? Her instinct was to run, into the wooded enclosure on the side of the hill. But she would only look foolish and she stood where she was, her heart beating with uncomfortable speed.

He stood by the car for a moment, and it was as if they two were the only people in the world, so silent it was, with the only movement being the gentle swaying of the pines as the breeze touched them caressingly. 'Jane.' The word came softly through the vast silence, and her heart jerked at the way it was said. And his face, a little drawn and grey ... but softened with a tenderness she just could not believe. What had happened - or rather, what was happening? This was a dream, for Nickolas could not be looking at her in that particular sort of way. In fact, he wouldn't look at any woman in that particular sort of way. Chaotic thoughts and racing heartbeats, fear and joy in a riotous conflict .of emotion. How she came to be in his arms she would never know, but ever afterwards she remembered weeping when she should have been laughing, and stating emphatically that he couldn't possibly love her even while she nestled safely in his arms, her head on his breast. 'Darling, darling - my dear sweet love, don't cry.' 'I'm s-so h-happy...' , He laughed softly and held her for a long while, his lips against her hair. 'Dearest, stop crying.' 'It's Tim -I love him so.' 'You do!' with mock grimness. And she laughed then, and let him dry her eyes. Tim had left nothing unsaid, so explanations were unnecessary. But Jane, all woman, wanted to know how long Nickolas had loved her. They had found a grassy bank and were sitting very

close, Nickolas's arm about her shoulders. The glorious Grecian sun shone on a vista of plain and sea extending before them in a panorama of changing colour. 'Some considerable time,' he admitted, taking her small hand in his. 'I fought it and fought it, believing you to be married. And then when I learned that you were free I seemed to shed a great weight - but it was only temporary, for very soon I learned you were engaged.' He paused a moment in thought. 'When you calmly said that you and Stuart had never given a single thought to the matter of having moments alone I somehow felt you couldn't be in love. And if you remember, darling, I did ask you once if there was anything else I didn't know of; I asked that because I'd noticed you and he weren't going off together as you had been doing. Also, I noticed that no affectionate glances passed between you at dinner or on any other occasions when you were in the company of others. It wasn't natural and so I began to wonder if anything had gone wrong with your engagement.' 'And that was what you meant when you asked if there was anything else which you didn't know of. Nickolas, why was I so obtuse?' 'We were both obtuse, my darling. I should have known, by the way you responded to my kisses, that there was some mystery, because you were not the girl to be unfaithful.' 'But you did believe I was that sort of girl,' she couldn't help reminding him. 'It was because you were so busy condemning me that you couldn't see I loved you.' 'What did you expect? - having several men in tow like that? I was madly jealous of the lot of them!' Jane laughed and hastily veered the subject.

'And to think I believed you were falling in love with Pauline!' Her voice quivered in spite of her control. 'And that you hadn't a single thought for me.' 'I never gave Pauline any encouragement,' he told Jane in faintly anxious tones. 'You do believe that, my darling!' She merely nodded and smiled and Nickolas added, 'I felt pretty grim about her getting into that condition, and yet at the same time I was very angry,' 'It must have all begun because of the sympathy you gave her,' decided Jane thoughtfully. 'And then, on the afternoon you and I met at Mycenae, you had asked her to go out with you. She had obviously attached some importance to that - and it was reasonable that she should.' 'I asked—?' He frowned uncomprehendingly. 'I never once asked Pauline to go out with me.' Jane thought of the way her memory had been spoiled by Pauline's declaration that Nickolas had asked her to go out with him, and she had refused. Jane looked at Nickolas; they both understood what had happened and no more was said on the matter. And a little while later he pulled Jane to her feet and took her in his arms again. 'We'll be married tomorrow,' he declared, and kissed her passionately. Tomorrow!' Freeing herself, she stood staring up at him. 'Tomorrow? But that's not possible—' The next day, then. Why are you looking like that? Is there any reason why we should wait?' Tim's words came back to her, 'If you're really in love....'

'No reason at all.' A tender smile touched her lips as she looked up at him, happiness glowing in her eyes. 'No reason at all, that I can see....'