I tell you, to see her do it went through me like a Shawanese arrow — — ”

She forced a mirthless smile, and clasped her fingers across her knee:

“So bitterly have I missed affection all my life,” she added calmly. “� And now you come into my life! Why, Euan — and my sentiments were truly pure and blameless when you were there that night with me on the rock under the clustered stars — and I left for you a rose — and my heart with it! — so dear and welcome was your sudden presence that I could have let you fold me in your arms, and so fallen asleep beside you, I was that deathly weary of my solitude and ragged isolation.”

She made a listless gesture:

“It is too late for us to yield to demonstration of your affection now, anyway —