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 spot-

Jane 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....'