No; please do not touch me or speak to me again; only listen--there is a bridle path leading directly from the farther corner of the stable to the river; a gate will let you out of the orchard lot; now go!" "You will not even shake hands ?" "I--I--yes, of course, I will do that." Our fingers clasped, and we stood face to face, our eyes meeting through the darkness.

The thrill of contact, the wild hope that this girl really cared unusually for me, became almost overpowering.

I longed to crush her in my arms, to pour into her ears the passionate words that burned on my lips.

I forgot everything except her presence, her nearness, the soft pressure of her hand.
"Billie! Billie!" "No! No!" and she had instantly released herself.

"You forget yourself; you forget my position.