Her heart seemed to stand still with fright.

She stood silent, with white lips parted.
"I hope I haven't frightened you," said Tom.

"Do forgive me," he added, becoming more aware of the perturbation he had caused her.

"You were so kind to me the other night, I could not help wanting to see you again.
I had no idea the sight of me would terrify you so." "You gave me such a start!" gasped Letty, with her hand pressed on her heart.
"I was afraid of it," answered Tom; "but what could I do?
I was certain, if you saw me coming, you would run away." "Why should you think that ?" asked Letty, a faint color rising in her cheek.
"Because," answered Tom, "I was sure they would be telling you all manner of things against me.

But there is no harm in me--really, Miss Lovel--nothing, that is, worth mentioning." "I am sure there isn't," said Letty; and then there was a pause.
"What book are you reading, may I ask ?" said Tom.
Letty had now remembered her aunt's injunctions and threats; but, partly from a kind of paralysis caused by his coolness, partly from its being impossible to her nature to be curt with any one with whom she was not angry, partly from mere lack of presence of mind, not knowing what to do, yet feeling she ought to run to the house, what should she do but drop down again on the very spot whence she had been scared! Instantly Tom threw himself on the grass at her feet, and there lay, looking up at her with eyes of humble admiration.
Confused and troubled, she began to turn over the leaves of her book.
She supposed afterward she must have asked him why he stared at her so, for the next thing she remembered was hearing him say: "I can't help it.