“What is it?”
“Do you wish me free?”
“Indeed I do,” he answered.
“That is spoken from the heart,” said she; “it is genuine. You do wish me well, I feel assured of that.”
She bent forward and her beautiful bust became half-revealed by this action, for her dress was unfastened in front (accidentally of course).
But Mr. Leverall was an exemplary virtuous and pious young man, yet he was human, and being so was subject to the passions and frailties which the best and most rigid-minded persons find at times to be all-powerful.
For the first time, perhaps, he discovered that he was enamoured of the seductive creature by his side, and she had sufficient penetration to perceive this also.
She was now convinced that she had won the prize which she had sought with so much patience and industry.
“You will aid me,” she murmured, as she placed her cheek against his. “I am sure you will.”
He made no reply.