SHE CRIED ALOUD SHE WAS A GUILTY CREATURE.
For a moment Mark had yielded to the rapture of the first pure pressure of lips he had ever known. From the window he had seen Natalie advancing toward the house, and had involuntarily gone to meet her. The sight of her had quickened his blood, but if, for an instant, he had reveled in the bliss of the welcome she had granted him, almost in the same instant he recognized and regretted that he had dishonored her in accepting caresses not intended for him.
He drew her somewhat hastily into the drawing-room. Before he could say a word she had recognized him.
"Mark," she exclaimed, amazed, and then a rosy blush spread over her face.
"I startled you," he said. "It was absurd in me, unpardonable."
"I thought it was——" her voice faltered.
"Leonard, of course. Now welcome me for myself," and he took her hand and shook it warmly, after a proper, cousinly fashion, perhaps sadly noting the contrast, but striving to shield her embarrassment.
He succeeded, as far as appearances went. But both were conscious of emotion, though each strove gallantly to hide it.
"I am so surprised," she faltered. "You must have made a remarkable passage. Your mother did not expect you yet. In fact, Paula——"
"I took an earlier steamer than I had originally intended, and had a quick passage besides."