I could yet feel her lithe, warm body palpitating in my arms; my lips still tingled and burned with the flame of hers.

An exultant wave swept over me; she loved me! She had not told me so, but I knew.

She had put her heart before mine; my life was dearer to her than her own.

I could have laughed for joy.

She loved me! My love overwhelmed my shame, engulfed it.