Love climbs in

Valeta looked at the Marquis of Troon with gratitude."How can I... thank you?"

He pulled her into his arms. "Like this," he answered and his lips were on hers.

For a moment Valeta was too astonished to speak.

Then the Marquis' lips aroused in her a sensation she had never known before. It was strange and yet so exciting. She felt as if he possessed the determination of Jason and the courage of Perseus so that all she had ever longed to find in her heroes was in one man.

The Marquis released her lips and now he was kissing her eyes, her cheeks, her small chin.

"I know what you are feeling," he said huskily, "as I am feeling the same. It has happened so quickly and yet it is there!"

"You... love me," whispered Valeta in a tone of wonder.

"I love you," the Marquis replied, "as I have never loved anyone before."