He bent a little closer.

"Won't you," he said softly, "take off your veil for me?"

Appalled, she clasped it to her. He had no idea in the world of the
shock of that request. It would be only a faint parallel of its
impropriety to suggest to Jinny Jeffries that she discard her frock.
Even Ryder's acquaintance with Egypt could not tell him how that
swift, confident eagerness of his could startle and affront.

"I want to see you so very much," he was murmuring, and met the
chill disdain of her retort, "But it is not for you to see my face,
monsieur!"

"Who is to see it?" he demanded.

"Who but the man I am to marry," she gave distinctly back.

The word hit him like stone.

He was conscious of a shock. Did she intend to rebuke--or to
imply--to question his intention? The steadiness of her low voice
suggested a certain steadiness of design.... He had heard of girls
who knew their own minds ... girls with unexpectedly far-sighted
vision.... Perhaps, poor child, she looked upon him as romantic
escape from all that was restrictive in her life. Secluded women go
fast--when they start.

The devil take him for that kiss!