But ere I had imprinted the intended kiss upon her fingers--and by some miracle they were not withdrawn--my eyes encountered hers again.

I paused as one may pause who contemplates a sacrilege.

For a moment she held my glance with hers; then I fell abashed, and released her hand.
The innocence peeping out of that child's eyes it was that had in that moment daunted me, and made me tremble to think of being found there, and of the vile thing it would be to have her name coupled with mine.
That thought lent me strength.

I cast my weariness from me as though it were a garment, and, straightening myself, I stepped of a sudden to the window.

Without a word, I made shift to draw back the curtain when her hand, falling on my sodden sleeve, arrested me.
"What will you do, monsieur ?" she cried in alarm.