He was seated at a table, with his back turned and a letter in front of him.

A sudden spirit of girlish mischief came over her--she was still only nineteen.

He had not heard her when she pushed open the door.

Now she tiptoed forward and laid her hand lightly upon his bended shoulders.
If she had expected to startle him, she certainly succeeded; but only in turn to be startled herself.

With a tiger spring he turned on her, and his right hand was feeling for her throat.