She could not have been more astounded had a thunder-bolt struck at her feet, nor more bereft of action.

She must have sat there fully ten minutes without movement.

From Thomas, the guileless, this! What did it mean?
She could not understand.

Had he instantly begged forgiveness, had he made protestations of sentiment, a glimmering would have been hers.

Nothing; he had kissed her and walked away: as he might have kissed Celeste, and had, for all she knew! When the numbing sense of astonishment passed away, it left her cold with anger.