"I did certainly get a letter—an extraordinarily dear, sweet, pathetic little letter. Well, my dear, I have acted on it, that's all."
"Acted on it, Vernon! What do you mean?"
He put his hand into his pocket and took the letter out.
"Come and sit close to me on the sofa, Heather."
"No, no; I can't; I daren't!"
"But you can and dare. Do you suppose I am going to stand this sort of thing? You are the girl I am going to marry. Heather, what nonsense you are talking! Kiss me this minute!"
"Vernon, you know I daren't kiss you."
"And I know you dare and shall and will. Come, this minute—this very minute."
"Oh, Vernon! Oh, Vernon!"
Before I could prevent him his arms were round me and his lips were pressed to mine. The moment I felt the touch of those lips I ceased to struggle against his will and lay passive in his arms. My heart quieted down, and a great peace, added to a wonderful joy, filled me.