She held out her hands with a little moan of ecstasy,--and then she was in his strong, crushing arms, pressed fiercely to his breast.
"God, can I believe,--is it true?
You have come,--you have come of your own free will,--you are here in my arms!" His hot lips found hers in a wild, passionate kiss.

"Speak to me! Tell me it is all real,--that I am not dreaming.

Oh, Ruth, Ruth,--darling!" Her body stiffened.

A convulsive shudder raced over her, and then, for an instant, she was limp and heavy in his embrace.

Then suddenly she threw her arms about his neck and kissed him furiously, savagely, again and again,--breaking away at last with a low, suffocating laugh.
"Now,--now,-" she cried, "now, what are you going to do with me ?" He lifted his head with a jerk, peering into her face, slow to realize the incredible mistake he had made.