"Then she took a bold step and went into the Garden and tiptoed softly up to the tree. The apple was so ripe that it was nearly ready to drop, and it was just on a level with the tip of her nose. It smelt like honey, and when she touched it it was as cool as marble. Then she touched it again, and caught hold of it, and somehow or other it came off the tree. She lifted it to her lips, and it felt like a kiss; and then a Voice behind her said—
"'Well?'
"She jumped round, almost dropping the apple. It was the good Lord God who stood looking at her.
"'What are you doing?'
"She hid the apple behind her, but His eyes shone through her, like light through a window. She hung her head.
"'Are you Eve's little girl?' He asked.
"Bella nodded. She couldn't say a word.
"'I thought you must be,' He said. He put His finger under her chin. There came a sound like the rushing of a great wind. The two angels had heard His voice, and drawn their swords, and leapt into the Garden. In another moment, Bella thought, they would have killed her. But the good Lord God held up His hand. The two angels stood one on each side of Him, leaning on their swords and looking rather downcast. Bella held out her hand. The good Lord God bent forward and took the apple away from her.
"'Well, what excuse have you,' He said, 'for stealing My apples?'