"Say yes. It is only my predicament gives me the courage to ask. But I need money, Mr. Visigoth. Need it. Need it. Now—to-night! I'll pay it back in service. I—"
"Come now," he said, his eyes crinkling again. "You don't mean that,
Lilly. I'm a man and you're a woman. I don't want your money."
"I'll go any length for yours."
"What length?"
"Any—you say."
He leaned forward at that and kissed down into her lips so deeply that her neck was strained backward to hurting. She sprang to her feet, wiping her hand across her mouth until her lips dragged, but trying to laugh.
"You hurt."
"That's what I want to do—hurt, hurt," kissing down into and crushing her lips again and again.
"Oh! oh! oh!" she moaned rather than cried, pummeling at his chest.
"Devil," he said, jerking her back to him until the breath jumped from her.