"And so?"
"I shall find out who you are presently."
"How?"
"That shall be my secret. Mutual friends, indeed! You will not have to send me home blindfolded."
"That is precisely what I shall do, in a certain sense. My name? Perhaps. But you will never know my face."
"Suppose I should determine to cross the line, despite your precepts?"
They stood up simultaneously. In a matter of this sort he was by far the quicker. In an instant he had caught her by the wrist, at the same time drawing her irresistibly round the table toward him. His grasp was not rough, only firm. She ceased to pull against him.
"I must see your face. I shall never be at peace if I do not."
"Certainly you will never know any peace if you do. Be careful!"
His free hand stole toward the strings of her mask. She moved not. His face was very close to hers now. If only she would struggle! Yes, he was certain now that her eyes were blue. But they looked at him with a menace which chilled his ardor. He dropped the hand from the mask and released her wrist.