He stumbled forward, to grasp the white, rounded arms. She caught his wrists, holding him easily.
"You're not so strong as you were, you know," she said, lightly. Suddenly she thrust him from her, reeling. Her eyes flashed; her lips curved, in scorn.
"You sicken me." And then: "You asked me if I had had all I wanted of you. I have, and more. And now I'll go, and leave you to your 'chance!' But not until—"
She had risen, and gone to the great chair. Into it she sank. He was before her…. She leaned forward, eyes heavy lidded, white arms extended, white teeth glowing, white shoulders shimmering. She hissed, sibilantly:
"A kiss, My Fool!"
He turned from her…. Turned half back again….
"No!" he gasped, weakly…. "No."
She hissed again:
"Kiss me, My Fool!"
The scarlet roses at her breast moved a little. Her lips were parted….
Her eyes were on his….