Chapter FourMelita could not reply. Any words she might have uttered were strangled in her throat.
At the same time, because of the deep passionate note in the Comte’s voice, she experienced a sudden feeling of inescapable joy sweep over her.
Then, as if it was impossible for him to remain still, the Comte rose to his feet and walked from the bank where they had been sitting towards the nearest tree. He stood with his hand against the trunk as if he needed its support.
Then with his back to her he said,
“It is too soon. I had intended to wait before I said anything to you, but it is impossible!”
Melita looked at him, but she did not move or speak and he went on,
“The moment I first saw you, as I walked across the deck, was as if you were enveloped with a white light and I knew absolu
