Did you ever know such assurance? Assurance? My
dear, it was gall, downright GALL! Well, I didn't find it
wormwood, and replied, with my untutored Redhorse heart in my
throat: "I--I shall be pleased to do ANYTHING." Could words have
been more stupid? There are depths of fatuity in me, friend o' my
soul, which are simply bottomless!
He extended his hand, smiling, and I delivered mine into it without
a moment's hesitation, and when his fingers closed about it to
assist me to my feet, the consciousness that it trembled made me
blush worse than the red west. I got up, however, and after a
while, observing that he had not let go my hand, I pulled on it a
little, but unsuccessfully. He simply held on, saying nothing, but
looking down into my face with some kind of a smile--I didn't know--
how could I?--whether it was affectionate, derisive, or what, for
I did not look at him. How beautiful he was!--with the red fires
of the sunset burning in the depths of his eyes. Do you know,
dear, if the Thugs and Experts of the Blavatsky region have any
special kind of eyes? Ah, you should have seen his superb
attitude, the godlike inclination of his head as he stood over me
after I had got upon my feet! It was a noble picture, but I soon
destroyed it, for I began at once to sink again to the earth.
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