But a grievous disappointment befell me , for I awakened that day very ill with a most severe cold ; and though I bore me bravely , my aunts discovered it soon , when , despite my piteous pleadings , I was put to bed , where I cried bitterly and would not be comforted . For I thought I should not see the fine folk and , more than all , Alicia . But that disappointment , at least , was spared me , for at night she came into my room , knowing of my longing -- she was ever indulgent to my little wishes . And when I saw her I forgot my aching limbs and burning brow , and even the ball I was not to see , for never was mortal creature so lovely as she , standing there by my bed . Her gown was of white , and there was nothing I could liken the stuff to save moonshine falling athwart a frosted pane , and out from it swelled her gleaming breast and arms , so bare that it seemed to me a shame to look upon them . Yet it could not be denied they were of wondrous beauty , white as polished marble . And all about her snowy throat and rounded arms , and in the masses of her splendid hair , were sparkling , gleaming stones , with hearts of pure light , which I know now to have been diamonds , but knew not then , for never had I seen aught of their like . And I gazed at her , drinking in her beauty until my soul was filled , as she stood like some goddess before her worshipper . I think she read my thought in my face and liked it -- for she was a vain woman , and to such even the admiration of a child is sweet . Then she leaned down to me until her splendid eyes looked straight into my dazzled ones . `` Tell me , little Beatrice -- for they say the word of a child is to be believed -- tell me , do you think me beautiful ? '' I found my voice and told her truly that I thought her beautiful beyond my dreams of angels -- as indeed she was . Whereat she smiled as one well pleased . Then my Uncle Hugh came in , and though I thought that his face darkened as he looked on the naked splendour of her breast and arms , as if he liked not that the eyes of other men should gloat on it , yet he kissed her with all a lover 's fond pride , while she looked at him half mockingly . Then said he , `` Sweet , will you grant me a favour ? '' And she answered , `` It may be that I will . '' And he said , `` Do not dance with that man tonight , Alicia . I mistrust him much . '' His voice had more of a husband 's command than a lover 's entreaty . She looked at him with some scorn , but when she saw his face grow black -- for the Montressors brooked scant disregard of their authority , as I had good reason to know -- she seemed to change , and a smile came to her lips , though her eyes glowed balefully .
Then she laid her arms about his neck and -- XXXXX it seemed to me that she had as soon strangled as embraced him -- her voice was wondrous sweet and caressing as she murmured in his ear .
For as at before from like that though to with