She felt herself honoured and insulted at the same time; and with this strange medley of emotions was a consciousness of youth and inexperience very different from the calm, untried confidence of a few minutes before.
"Forgive me, forgive me!" pleaded the conscience stricken suitor.

"I have been too sudden! I should have prepared you.

I should have allowed you to see more plainly." With a lover's first, fond air of possession he attempted to take her hand.
"Don't!" The word was sharp as a pistol shot.

Esther's tears were suddenly stayed.

Furtively she slipped the hand he had touched behind her.