FOR a moment I lost my self-possession.

I scarcely remember now what I did.

I know I clasped her almost roughly in my arms--I know that I kissed her passionately on lips, throat and brow--and that in the fervor of my embraces, the thought of what manner of vile thing she was came swiftly upon me, causing me to release her with such suddenness that she caught at the back of a chair to save herself from falling.
Her breath came and went in little quick gasps of excitement, her face was flushed--she looked astonished, yet certainly not displeased.

No, SHE was not angry, but I was--thoroughly annoyed--bitterly vexed with myself, for being such a fool.
"Forgive me," I muttered.

"I forgot--I--" A little smile stole round the corners of her mouth.
"You are fully pardoned!" she said, in a low voice, "you need not apologize." Her smile deepened; suddenly she broke into a rippling laugh, sweet and silvery as a bell--a laugh that went through me like a knife.