He passed near her carrying a measure of sulphuric acid.

She put out her hand suddenly and playfully, as though to bar his way.

His foot slipped on the oily floor, and the acid spilled on his hands and the skirt of her dress.

He turned instantly and plunged his hands into a measure of alcohol standing near before the acid had more than slightly scalded them.

She glanced at his startled face; hers was without emotion.