CHAPTER VII. THE BREATH OF PASSION.
The torch-light of Passion, how fierce is its power—
It wakens, it burns, it consumes in an hour;
Accursed is the mortal who feels its hot breath,
For the end is destruction—destruction and death.
Unfortunately for the fate of her future, Stella did not see the extraordinary expression on the young man's face that caused such mental consternation among her guests.
The thrill which vibrated through her entire being at the touch of his firm hand rendered her incapable for the moment of meeting his eyes.
So strong was the current of magnetism that passed between them that the mingled sensations of fear and bewilderment forced her to withdraw her hand with so much vehemence that she was obliged, from an innate sense of courtesy, to make a trifling remark to cover the seeming rudeness of her action.