I never can resist them--I went mad with the cats." Her young beauty appeared to Carteret very notable; and, yes--although she might disport herself in this childishly frolic fashion--it was idle to call her, or pretend her any longer a babe.

For cause to him unknown, through force of some experience of which he remained ignorant, she had undeniably come into the charm and mystery of her womanhood--a very fair and noble blossoming before which reverently, if wistfully, he bowed his head.
"It's good to have you declare yourself glad, dear witch, in that case I'm glad too," he answered her.

"But as to forgiveness, I'm inclined to hold it over until you leave off being tantalizing--and, upon my word, I find you uncommonly far from leaving off just now!" "You mean until I tell you what happened ?" Carteret nodded, searching her face with wise, fearless, smiling eyes.
"Ah! yes," he said, "we can put it that way if you please." Damaris hesitated detecting some undercurrent of meaning which puzzled her.
"I may never have to tell you.

My father may speak of it--or you may just see for yourself.

Only then, then"-- she with a moving earnestness prayed him--"be kind, be lenient.