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She is simply a born artist. I sat in the dingy box absolutely

enthralled. I forgot that I was in London and in the nineteenth

century. I was away with my love in a forest that no man had ever

seen. After the performance was over, I went behind and spoke to

her. As we were sitting together, suddenly there came into her

eyes a look that I had never seen there before. My lips moved

towards hers. We kissed each other. I can't describe to you what

I felt at that moment. It seemed to me that all my life had been

narrowed to one perfect point of rose-coloured joy. She trembled

all over and shook like a white narcissus. Then she flung herself

on her knees and kissed my hands. I feel that I should not tell

you all this, but I can't help it. Of course, our engagement is a

dead secret. She has not even told her own mother. I don't know

what my guardians will say. Lord Radley is sure to be furious. I

don't care. I shall be of age in less than a year, and then I can

do what I like.