"He knew that I did not tell the truth, for I blushed and cast my eyes down on the ground. He no longer hesitated, but throwing his arms around me, pressed his lips to mine and kissed me ardently. I was astonished and confounded and endeavored to escape him, but he held me tight and pressed his breast to mine. "'Herbert, Herbert, this is wrong, let me go, I beg of you.' "He replied by pressing another kiss on my lips. It was in vain I struggled; he appeared to be endowed with the strength of Hercules. "'Do have done!' I murmured between each embrace, 'someone might come.' "'My love, there is no cause for fear, there is no one in the house but you and I. Your sister is confined to her chamber by sickness and I have given positive orders that I am not at home to anyone. We are absolutely alone.' "I could not disguise the pleasure that this news gave me, for my whole body became agitated with the warmth of his embraces, and my bosom palpitated against his. I even dared to return his caresses, and reimbursed with interest the kisses he gave me. "'Amy, I love and adore you,' said he. "'Herbert, I love you! I love you,' was the only reply that I could make. "Again he pressed his lips to mine and sucked in my breath. He even inserted the end of his tongue in my mouth, and he met mine, which was as ardent as his own. I believe I should have died if nature had not given me relief at that moment. I believe the same thing happened to him, for he threw himself upon me, and two or three convulsive shudders ran through his system; he then became calmer and reclined negligently in my arms. "'My beloved, this is true happiness,' said he, 'oh, that we could remain thus forever, and that we might never part again.'