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 -- though 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 . He laughed and his brow cleared , though he said still sternly , `` Do not try me too far , Alicia . '' Then they went out , she a little in advance and very stately . After that my aunts also came in , very beautifully and modestly dressed , but they seemed to me as nothing after Alicia . For I was caught in the snare of her beauty , and the longing to see her again so grew upon me that after a time I did an undutiful and disobedient thing . I had been straitly charged to stay in bed , which I did not , but got up and put on a gown .
XXXXX it was in my mind to go quietly down , if by chance I might again see Alicia , myself unseen .
After For like of that though to until upon with