"I think I wanted very much to be in love with you, Alfred," she says slowly, trying to work out herself what exactly she had felt for this lovely boy.

"You are everything I should want. You're kind, and you're very dear, and you were very sweet to me when we met. But then I met the Count, and I saw -- what I actually did want. Freedom, and adventure, and most of all to be away from my old life.

And I'm sorry that I hurt you. Not just the bite, but in thinking that I might love you. I was foolish, and I hope you can forgive me that."