He claimed her, his glance, his voice--somewhere in the girl's heart a red spark of anger began to glow.
She tried to speak, but he silenced her by a gesture.

"No, do not answer yet.

Although you must have known what I have felt for you, you are startled by my suddenness, I can see that.

I have told you that it was not my intention to speak so soon.

Circumstances have hurried me.