He said simply: "Miss D'Alloi, I
ask your forgiveness for offending you."
Leonore had her choice of standing silent, of pushing passed Peter, or
of speaking. If she had done the first, or the second, her position was
absolutely impregnable. But a woman's instinct is to seek defence or
attack in words rather than actions. So she said: "You had no right, and
you were very rude." She did not look at Peter.
"It pained me far more than it could pain you."
Leonore liked Peter's tone of voice, but she saw that her position was
weakening. She said, "Let me by, please."
Peter with reluctance gave her just room to pass. He felt that he had
not said half of what he wished, but he did not dare to offend again.
As it turned out, it was the best thing he could do, for the moment
Leonore had passed him, she exclaimed, "Why! Your coat's wringing wet."
"That's nothing," said Peter, turning to the voice.
He found those big dark eyes at last looking at him, and looking at him
without anger.
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