"I know it's foolish.

But I've an instinct against it--and we mustn't." She spoke so gently that he persisted and pleaded.

It was some time before he realized how much firmness there was under her gentleness.

She was so afraid of making him cross; yet he also saw that she would withstand at any cost.

He placed himself beside her on the wicker lounge, sitting close, his cheek almost against hers, that they might hear each other without speaking above a whisper.