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 aquiver. He knew her aquiver; he knew the excitement of the slight, tense trembling of her in his arms; and suddenly he seized her, quivering, quivering against him and within his arms.

"Lida! Lida!" said his breath, leaving him. Sinking to one knee, he pressed his lips on hers. How hot were hers! How hot had become his own! Hers moved, quivering upon his in her kiss. Hers never were quiet. He had known that; but she was less quiet, warmer and wanting, requiring, claiming more than ever before.

He drew back a little; and a little, she let him. She put him further from her, pushing him away with both her hands on his face as though, if he drew back, she would have him not at all. Then the feel of her fingers changed; while she still thrust him away, her hands caressed him. More than caressed him; she drew him toward her; and her bright, black eyes danced and danced in little tempting, tantalizing circles about his eyes. Suddenly she surprised him with a second of steadiness; then her eyes set to dancing again, eluding him, teasing him, daring him. Catch me; catch me; catch me and hold me even for a minute, her eyes and the quiver of her and the hot, soft, soft caress of her fingers on his face, said. So he caught her and kissed her again; and she kissed and kissed his lips.

"Who's here?" he asked her, at last.

"No one; just us."

"When did they leave?"

"Last night. They'll be in this morning; or tney might be. But they aren't yet."