If it offends you, I won't even ask if I may hope." She sighed as he said the last words; trembled a little, and silently looked at him.
Percy read his answer in her eyes.

Without meaning it on either side their heads drew nearer together; their cheeks, then their lips, touched.

She started back from him, and rose to leave the conservatory.
At the same moment, the sound of slowly-approaching footsteps became audible on the gravel walk of the garden.

Charlotte hurried to the door.
"My father!" she exclaimed, turning to Percy.

"Come, and be introduced to him." Percy followed her into the garden..