When she felt Kozincko's mouth on her breasts, she began to mistrust her strengths. What was this languid sweetness that overwhelmed her? What fire stirred under her whole skin, burning her womb leaving it full of unknown cravings? She held her legs closed tight in a last attempt at resistance, but when she felt his hand wedging tender and imperious between her thighs, she yielded and her protest was lost in an ardent kiss. Now, Kozincko knew he wouldn't take her. He had too strong a sense of love and was too refined, not to understand what a gross error it would be to possess her «in a hurry» so to speak.
He sensed in Myriam the rich warmth of a passionate body, of a young ardent blood. He wanted her, but in a gush of passionate frenzy. Now her submissiveness didn't excite his desire so much. If she had struggled, maybe he would have been spurred on by the male instinct that every fighting female rouses.
Now he was engaged in waking up in her the consciousness of love's existence. So he kept caressing her knowing alone what he was driving at…
When he felt her squirming in his arms, then relaxing abruptly with a stifled cry, he had an inward smile and gave her a long kiss before releasing her.
«Well Myriam? Have I been so cruel?»
Myriam was stretched on the sofa, concealing nothing of her crumpled laces. She was completely at a loss. Had Kozincko possessed her? She was conscious something had happened and couldn't explain what. Was it love or just an episode on the way..?
As Ghislaine's father repeated his question, she sighed:
«No you've been very kind… but…
«But? What is worrying you?»
She had the courage to ask:
«Did you possess me?..»
Nicolas Kozincko was at pains to suppress his mirth:
«No Myriam don't worry? I didn't possess you! you're still a virgin, a very little girl.»
He added privately: «Not for long though.»
Myriam kept silent for a long while, then sighed with a strangely remote voice: «I prefer it that way!»
CHAPTER IV
Kozincko took her by the arm.
«Come along! we're going to tell Ghislaine.»
Myriam followed him. She was still deeply disturbed and imagined everybody would see what had happened. Though Kozincko's answer had taken a weight off her mind, she was well aware she had done something wrong.
Had not Ghislaine's father said:
«Don't tell my daughter. This is between us.»
Of course she wouldn't breath a word of it. She'd never consent to speak of such a thing even to her best friend. Now she wanted to forget everything about it; she could only think of her triumphant return home to her aunt. She was still anxious Mrs. Cornavin might refuse, yet he had said «she wouldn't refuse him». Moreover she would probably be happy to get rid of her niece.
Yet if Myriam could have guessed what was in store for her, she would have showed less joy… but, with youth's characteristic lightheartedness, she was very far from thinking what she did dangerous.
She could hardly hide her happiness when she saw Ghislaine.
«My dear, said Kozincko, may I introduce this young lady who will be a lady's maid and a companion to you…»
And he pushed Myriam forward.
Ghislaine was dumbfound at first, then she hugged Myriam and laughed with sheer delight.
«Is it true Daddy? Are you taking Myriam with us to Paris?
«If you want her!
«I do want her, it's wonderful! I never had a friend before!»
She kissed Myriam:
«You're happy aren't you? You see I was right. You were talking of fairies… Daddy is our wizard.»
She hung on her father's neck. She was exceedingly fond and tender, she was so often alone. Then she thought of Myriam's aunt and asked:
«If your aunt refused her consent?
«She won't do that, said her father. I'll drive there with Myriam and get that lady's consent. Myriam will stay with us to-night. You'll look after her, lend her a few dresses, we'll see about the rest in Paris.
«Oh yes Daddy, I'd willingly give her everything I have.
«Good, I'll have a look at the car, Myriam you'll join me later. As soon as they were alone together, they began to dance a mad jig «Both of us in Paris! What glorious piece of luck!» cried Ghislaine.
As Myriam had grown pale all of a sudden, she stopped:
«You don't look pleased! By the way, was that why Daddy asked you to come to his study?
«Yes said Myriam, and I thought he would scold me!
«Why? Because you where in light apparel when he came here?
«Yes; because of something else too…
«What was it? please do tell me?»
Myriam told her how she had bathed in the lake.
Ghislaine looked miserable.
«Oh why didn't come for me us, I would have loved to bathe too!»
Then coming back to her favourite topic, she added:
«You see Daddy is a darling. He didn't scold you and he takes you with us. Isn't he extraordinary?
«Oh Yes! said Myriam.
«Well go and join him now. While you'll be away I'll look at my wardrobe, and then you'll choose what you like best.»
She kissed Myriam once more and went away singing.
— On her return, Myriam was rid of her last misgivings. Mrs. Cornavin and the twins were on the door steps when Kozincko's smart car drew alongside.
The old English lady looked the picture of dumb surprise. She rarely saw Kozincko, and he never was very friendly in his tone… Myriam's presence in that car by his side was too unexpected for words.
The twins, Katy and Helen, two red-haired, freckled, girls who weren't pretty but had a bitter-sweet charm somehow, were nudging each other, and waited for their mater's wrath. They wondered what Myriam had done to have the owner coming here personally.
Kozincko was courteous yet brief:
«Dear madam, I'm here to rob you of your niece.»
My daughter is leaving for Paris and needs a lady's maid, and a companion as well. Myriam is exactly what we need. I came to ask you to let her come with us to night.
To Mrs. Cornavin it was a bolt out of the blue, she stood dumbfound.
Myriam in Paris, with Ghislaine… That was too good for that little minx! And this, all of a sudden, without the slightest hint!
Mrs. Cornavin in spite of her sanctimonious look knew a thing or two about men, she guessed Kozincko's plans. Though she kept her mouth shut she knew what went on at the manor house on certain nights.
After recovering from her surprise, she almost managed to muster a smile and asked the girls to leave them alone.
The look she gave Myriam was more than hostile; was she going to say «No!»…?
Did she guess what had happened, thought the girl.
Her cousins' rattle of questions ended these reflections and Myriam soon made them grey with envy with the account of her luck. Mrs. Cornavin was positively honey mouthed…
— «You know, I hope, this girl isn't my daughter, I took her as a baby and she isn't seventeen yet. You understand I stand responsible for her…
«Do you think madam I couldn't protect her as efficiently?
«This isn't what I meant, smirked the old hag, but Myriam is a delightful little thing, appetizing but pure as a lamb… you see what I mean by this, do you not… It's so easy to stray away…»
Kozincko grew a trifle pale.
«Do mean to say I entertain objectionable views on the child?
«Good Heavens! cried Mrs. Cornavin.. and., even if you did… You're a gentleman…»
He understood she had guessed everything, and was willing to help him. He eyed her silently and reflected she might be of use to him. He gave her a cold smile and agreed:
«I see… We'll easily come to terms together.»
Mrs. Cornavin grinned broadly.
«I knew you were a man of the world. I think I might… lend you a hand. This child is meat for a king, but she might be more… reluctant than you expect. In this case I'd be glad to help you.»