very much,
making rapid progress in my studies. I was one of the biggest boys in
the school, and having, in more than one instance, proved my courage, I
was spared much annoyance from the other boys, who although they might
surpass me in learning were not my masters in fisticuffs.

"A year passed in this manner, and during that period I almost
recovered the time lost in my early education. I was a favorite, both
with the boys and the principal of the school, and the days passed very
pleasantly until an event occurred which changed the entire tenor of my
existence.

"I had often heard Mr. Ames speak of his daughter Cordelia, who was in
France finishing her education. During my second year at school she
returned home and the following day I saw her for the first time in the
garden attached to the house. At the moment I first beheld her, she was
stooping down gathering flowers. This posture elevated her clothes
behind and I saw a considerable portion of her beautiful legs, the
sight of which for the first time inspired me with sexual desire. I
anxiously waited for her to turn around that I might see her face. In a
few moments she did so and I was immediately struck with her beauty.
She was a brunette with dark glossy hair, intensely black eyes, regular
features, luscious red lips, white teeth, a laughing expression on her
countenance, ivory shoulders, rather short stature, broad hips, and a
glorious figure. She detected my earnest gaze, but instead of being
abashed at it, she merely smiled at me and passed. I judged her to be
about twenty years of age.

"I could not forget Cordelia's smile all that day. It haunted me
wherever I went. I was too young to understand its real significance,
but it was sufficient to cause an indefinable feeling to take
possession of me. When I retired to bed that night (my father had
insisted that I should have a room to myself), I noticed that the
chamber adjoining mine, which had been shut up ever since I had been at
school was now open and fitted up with new furniture. In answer to my
inquiry I was told that the room was destined for Miss Cordelia; I felt
pleased to think that I should have her for such a close neighbor, and
I began to think we might become more intimately acquainted.

"About three nights after this, I retired to bed quite late--in fact,
the whole house had already retired. When I came to Miss Cordelia's
room, I was surprised to find the door half open and a brilliant li