"And within, Simon, my heart was aching with shame, even while I jested.

Ah, you don't know the shame I feel!" "In good truth," I returned, "I believe you feel no shame at all." "You're very cruel to me, Simon.

Yet it's no more than my desert.

Ah, if----"; she sighed heavily.

"If only, Simon----," she said, and her hand was very near my hair by the back of the chair.