'Why don't you kiss me?' she said.
She did not see Susie, but knew that a quick look of anguish
crossed her face. Margaret drew Arthur towards her. His hands began
to tremble. He had never ventured to express the passion that
consumed him, and when he kissed her it was with a restraint that
was almost brotherly. Now their lips met. Forgetting that anyone
else was in the room, he flung his arms around Margaret. She had
never kissed him in that way before, and the rapture was
intolerable. Her lips were like living fire. He could not take his
own away. He forgot everything. All his strength, all his
self-control, deserted him. It crossed his mind that at this moment
he would willingly die. But the delight of it was so great that he
could scarcely withhold a cry of agony. At length
