I--have, long since....

Let me go!" "Then--kiss me." She looked up at him a moment, slowly put both arms around his neck: "Now," she breathed faintly, "release me." And at the same instant he saw Geraldine descending the stairs.
Kathleen saw her, too; saw her turn abruptly, re-mount and disappear.
There was a moment's painful silence, then, without a word, she picked up her lace skirts, ran up the stairway, and continued swiftly on to Geraldine's room.
"May I come in ?" She spoke and opened the door of the bedroom at the same time, and Geraldine turned on her, exasperated, hands clenched, dark eyes harbouring lightning: "Have I gone quite mad, Kathleen, or have you ?" she demanded.
"I think I have," whispered Kathleen, turning white and halting.
"Geraldine, you will _have_ to listen.

Scott has told me that he loves me----" "Is this the first time ?" "No....

It is the first time I have listened.

I can't think clearly; I scarcely know yet what I've said and done.