So at last I got so affected by my own eloquence that I became quite spooney.

Her back was turned to me; I could not see her face.

I thought by her silence that she was affected, and, in a gush of tenderness, I put my arm around her.
"In an instant she flung it off, and stepped back, confronting me with a face as hard and an eye as malevolent as a demon.
"She reached out her hand toward the bell.
"'What are you going to do ?' I asked.
"'Ring for my maid,' said she.
[Illustration: "VERY WELL.

HERE IT IS."] "'Don't,' said I, getting between her and the bell.

'Think; stop, I implore you.