"'My dear girl, you are wrong,' replied Herbert, 'I did not come here stealthily, but it was your preoccupation which prevented you from hearing me enter. But you have not replied to my question—what book are you reading?'
"'Oh, it is a stupid work I found in the library, I have only just glanced at it and do not find it worth reading.'
"'Will you allow me to judge for myself, my charming sister-in-law,' he replied, taking a seat by my side.
"'No, Herbert, I will not allow it,' I returned, pressing the book to my bosom.
"'I insist,' he cried, endeavoring to snatch the work from my hands. In the struggle his hand came in contact with my bosom and he even touched the strawberry nipples surmounting the semiglobes. At last be conquered and obtained possession of the book. I looked imploringly at him, but he opened it deliberately and read the title. It was The Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure.
"'So, so, Amy,' said he. 'This is the subject of your studies, is it?'
"'I assure you I have not read a page of it—it appeared to me foolish and uninteresting, and I was just about to return it to the library when you entered.'
"He knew that I did not tell the truth, for I blushed and cast my eyes down on the ground. He no longer hesitated, but throwing his arms around me, pressed his lips to mine and kissed me ardently. I was astonished and confounded and endeavored to escape him, but he held me tight and pressed his breast to mine.
"'Herbert, Herbert, this is wrong, let me go, I beg of you.'
"He replied by pressing another kiss on my lips. It was in vain I struggled; he appeared to be endowed with the strength of Hercules.