She changed colour, and breathed fitfully, moving as if to disengage herself from his arm.
“No, don’t go. This is very harmless, and I’ve been exceedingly good for a long time, now, haven’t I?”
“All the greater pity to spoil your record,” putting up her hand to remove his.
But he only clasped her fingers tightly, and drew her closer, till he could feel her heart palpitating a little wildly; and that gave him courage.
“It has been far harder than you have the remotest idea of. I deserve one kiss, if only by way of encouragement.”
His face was close to hers now, and with a little murmuring sound of gladness he kissed her cheek.
“Little woman,” he murmured, “I’ve grown desperately fond of you. I hardly know how to do without you. Be a sensible little girl, won’t you?”
She disengaged herself resolutely then, but she was not angry, and her eyes were shining.
“You are transgressing flagrantly—as I should express it in a newspaper report. Collect your forces, and retire gracefully, O transgressor.”
“I suppose I really must go now. It’s been such a splendid day, hasn’t it?”