"Some day some man will kill you, I suppose, but
I shall be your lover--first!"
The lady gasped. She looked up at him in bewildered surprise, as a
child might do who sets a light to a whole box of matches in
play. What a naughty, naughty toy to burn so quickly for such a little
strike!
But Paul's young, strong arms held her close, she could not struggle
or move. Then she laughed a laugh of pure glad joy.
"Beautiful, savage Paul," she whispered. "Do you love me? Tell me
that?"
"Love you!" he said. "Good God! Love you! Madly, and you know it,
darling Queen."
"Then," said the lady in a voice in which all the caresses of the
world seemed melted, "then, sweet Paul, I shall teach you many things,
and among them I shall teach you how--to--LIVE."
And outside the black storm made the darkness fall early. And inside
the half-burnt logs tumbled together, causing a cloud of golden
sparks, and then the flames leapt up again and crackled in the grate.
CHAPTER VII
At dinner that night the lady came in after Paul was seated. She was
all in black velvet, stately and dignified and fine. She passed his
chair and took her seat, not the faintest sign of recognition on her
face. And although he was prepared for this, for some reason his
heart sank for a moment.
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