"Yes—sometimes it's passive and sometimes active."
"It was active, I suppose, that day in the King's cabinet, when you gave me that cousinly kiss."
"If we were not so public I would——"
She looked at me with the most daring invitation. "It is because we are so public that you are permitted to sit so near."
"Then, why blame me if I take the only opportunities you give me?" I asked.
She half closed her eyes and looked at me, side-long, through her lashes.
"Have I ever blamed you?" she asked.
"Dehra," said I, "if you look at me like that I shall kiss you now."
She closed her eyes a trifle more. "Where, Armand?" she said. "You have been kissing my hair every time I let it touch your lips."
"Let it touch them again, then," I whispered.