Whether she experienced the strong mesmeric power of that dumb appeal, or whether her woman's instinct only warned her of his silent presence, is a question for the determination of graduates in the science of psychology. Certain it is that she turned with a visible thrill, and came to him, the loose drapery of her sleeves falling back and exposing the exquisite symmetry of her outstretched arms. She laid those arms about his neck, glancing up into his face with a smile, and kissed him upon the lips.
"How I have longed for you!" she murmured; "and what an eternity since you left me!"
"Paula—Paula, my own sweet love!" he ventured breathlessly.
He stared hungrily into her upturned face, half-fearfully, half-confidently noting the effect of his words; but the calm smile remained unchanged, fixed upon her features as might have been the smile of peaceful death, save that it wore the tint of life. He caught her in his arms, passionately folding her to his breast, kissing her hair, her brow, and lips.
In the next moment his quick ear detected the sound of foot-falls upon the neighboring staircase.
"He is coming!" he whispered in involuntary alarm. "I promised him that he should see you; but, oh, my love, remember that it is I, not he, who claim you now—claim your every thought, your love wholly and entirely!"
"I shall not forget that which is a part of my own being," she answered gently. "With you by my side, I should not fear to face Satan himself!"
He bore her in his arms to the lounge and tenderly placed her upon it.
"I am your physician, as well as lover," he murmured; "and it is in my power to prevent your being tortured by a lengthy interview."
She smiled up at him reassuringly.