But if you feel like--like this about it I suppose I must not.

Shall we say good-by here and now?
Truly I am sorry." She had risen, and he could find no words to stay her.
It seemed that the battle to possess her was over, and that he, had lost.

Her desire for his friendship had all the mockery of freedom in it to him--in the agony of the moment it insulted him.

With an effort he controlled himself--there should be no more of the futility of words.
He must see the last of her some time--let it be now, then.

He bent his head over the slender hand he held, brought his lips to it, and then, with sudden passion, kissed it hotly again and again, seeking the warm, uncovered little spot above the fastening.