Читать книгу Edith Percival. A Novel онлайн

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The lady, who was seated by the table, arose as Fred entered, and advancing toward him, extended her hand. The youth imagined she looked even fairer now than when he had first seen her. The bright, golden tresses were pushed off her fair brow, and gathered into a burnished knot behind, thus displaying the exquisite symmetry of the superb little head. She was still pale from the effects of her recent fright; but Fred thought he had never beheld a fairer face in all his life.

"My preserver, how can I ever thank you for saving me from such a fearful death," said the softest, sweetest voice in the world. And raising the hand she held in hers, she bent her graceful head, and pressed it to her lips.

The act, simple and natural as it was, brought a sudden flush to Fred's face.

"I need no thanks, fairest lady, for performing a common act of humanity," he said, bowing. "He would, indeed, be a monster who would not endeavor to rescue a fellow-creature from death."

"Oh! it was fearful!" exclaimed the lady, "to stay there alone, expecting momentary death. It seemed to me impossible I could be saved, with everything in flames around me!"