"You don't know anything about her," said the teasing voice.
"She is my cousin, mademoiselle."
"What does that matter? I know much more than you do, though I have only seen her two days. I know that—well, I am afraid of her!"
"Afraid of her? Did you come out—may I ask—determined to talk nonsense?"
"I came out—never mind! I am afraid of her. She hates me. I think"—he felt a shiver in the air—will do me harm if she can."
"No one shall do you harm," said Ashe, his tone changing, "if you will only trust yourself—"
She laughed merrily.
"To you? Oh! you'd soon throw it up."
"Try me!" he said, approaching her. "Lady Kitty, I have something to say to you."
Suddenly she shrank away from him. He could not see her face, and had nothing to guide him.