Slowly my self-possession returned to me, and I said calmly: "YOU forbid me, signor?
Surely you forget yourself.

What harm have I done in helping myself to a simple glass of water in your studio?
You are not usually so inhospitable." While I spoke his manner changed, the colour returned to his face, and his eyes softened--he smiled.
"Forgive me, mademoiselle, for my brusquerie.

It is true I forgot myself for a moment.

But you were in danger, and----" "In danger!" I exclaimed incredulously.
"Yes, mademoiselle.

This," and he held up the Venetian decanter to the light, "is not water simply.