midnight
I hardly know , except that the word `` alone '' has such a charm in it connected with a woman we love . `` Of course , '' she said , leaning back , `` it is a little unconventional my coming here alone ; but Mama was not well enough , and I -- Victor , '' she said , with a sudden indrawn breath , `` I felt I must come and see you . I told her I felt I should die there if they would not let me come ! '' I saw her breast heave as she spoke , her cheek flushed and paled alternately , the azure of her eyes deepened slowly as the pupils widened in them , till there seemed midnight behind the lashes . I felt a dangerous current stirring in all my blood at her words , a dry spasm seemed in my throat , blocking all speech . `` I thought you must have finished by now , and I came to say -- I came to say '' -- she murmured . The blood rushed scarlet , staining all the fair skin , across the face before me , and the bright lips fluttered in uncertain hesitation .