There was silence; Colin thought she must hear his heart thumping, but she seemed lost in her dreams.

He put out his big hand and timidly, reverently, took hers, crushed verbena and all, as it lay on the balustrade.

It rested like a prisoned bird within his; he could feel the nervous twitch of the little fingers.
'There's another system of marriage--a better one, I think--where the man doesn't ask for anything but the right to love until--until he has compelled the woman's love in return.' 'Compelled! I like that word.

I could yield to my master.

But he would have to prove himself my master.' 'Will you let me try ?' McKeith said boldly.