“Oh, yes I did. More securely than ever.”

“Did he come?”

“Yes, he did come. He tried all he could to open the door. He tapped and tapped; then he knocked louder. Then he said 'It is I, little Violette'. You may well imagine that I gave no reply. I was shaking with fright in my bed. The more he said, 'It is I', the more he called me darling Violette, the more I put my blanket over my head. At last after waiting at least half an hour, he went away grumbling.”

“All day he looked sulky so that I was in hopes he would leave me alone tonight. I was half undressed, as you see me, when I thought of bolting the door. But the bolt had been taken off during the day and there was no lock there; so, without losing a moment I ran off and knocked at your door. Oh! how lucky I did so!” And the child threw her arms around my neck.

“So you're not frightened of me?”

“Oh, no!”

“And if I wished to kiss you, would you run away?”

“See now,” said she, and she applied her humid and fresh mouth to my parched lips.

I could not help keeping my lips on hers for a few seconds while I caressed her teeth with the tip of my tongue. She closed her eyes and leaned her head backwards, saying: “Oh, how nice, is that kind of kiss!”

“You've never been kissed that way?” I inquired.

“No,” she said, passing her tongue over her burning lips. “Is it the usual way?”

“Yes, when you love the person.”

“Then, you do love me?”

“If I am not yet in love with you I am afraid I soon shall be.”

“Just like me!”

“So much the better!”

“And what do people do who love one another?”

“They exchange kisses as we just have done.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes.”

“Well, that is funny. It seemed to me I wished for something else; as if this kiss, however sweet it may be, were only the beginning of love.”