A strong desire to repulse this unknown girl came over him—a desire to thrust her away.
And it might cost him his life.
He reached up and took her hand, soft and warm, to gently remove her arm from about his neck. She clung closer, whispering:
“Promise—promise me! You must give me your word!”
“How can I tell you that? I have not even seen your face.”
“It is true; I had forgotten. You shall see it now.”
She snatched away the mask, pushed him back, held him by the shoulders with both hands, and turned her face so the lamplight shone full upon it.
“Look!” she panted. “Did I lie when I told you I was handsome? Are you satisfied now?”
The mask had fallen, and he saw that she was handsome in a wild, fierce way, with eyes black as the depths of eternal night, lips red and full, curving like a Cupid’s bow, and the flush of excitement and passion in her cheeks.
Frank did not speak. Truly there was a fascination in her eyes, a sort of hypnotic power, that held him spellbound.