The child had faded into a vanishing shade: the perfected woman who had grown from her had stolen on me unawares, and was asking me to pardon her.

"Mr.Gerard, you were lost in your thoughts; I spoke, and you never heard me." I looked at her in silence.
Was this the dear Cristel so well known to me?
Or was it a mockery of her that had taken her place?
"I hope I have not offended you ?" she said.
"You have surprised me," I answered.

"Something must have happened, since I saw you last.

What is it ?" "Nothing." I advanced a step, and drew her closer to me.

A dark flush discolored her face.