I knew not what to do, how to act.

My remaining where I was could be of no possible service to her, indeed my discovery there would only add to her embarrassment, yet I had no reason to believe the officer had left his seat yonder, and therefore dare not drop to the ground.

My heart ached for the girl, and I longed to get my hands on that cur of a Le Gaire, yet might venture to approach neither.

It was a maddening situation, but I could only stand there in the dark, gripping the rail, unable to decide my duty.

Perhaps she did love me--in spite of that vigorous denial, perhaps she did--and the very possibility made the blood surge hot through my veins.