Don't be afraid that I shall be brutal enough to do it without your consent; my respect for you is stronger even than my passion.

When I first saw you, I thought you interesting because of your evident intelligence--nothing more; indeed you were not a woman to me.

Now you are the one woman in the world; no other can draw my eyes from you.
Touch me with your fingers and I shall tremble--that is what my love means.' She was colourless; her lips, just parted, quivered as the breath panted between them.

She did not try to withdraw her hand.
'Can you love me in return ?' Everard went on, his face still nearer.
'Am I anything like this to _you_?
Have the courage you boast of.

Speak to me as one human being to another, plain, honest words.' 'I don't love you in the least.