Carmilla

by J. Sheridan Le Fanu

First—Her name was Carmilla. Second—Her family was very ancient and noble. Third—Her home lay in the direction of the west.

It was like the ardor of a lover; it embarrassed me; it was hateful and yet over-powering; and with gloating eyes she drew me to her, and her hot lips traveled along my cheek in kisses; and she would whisper, almost in sobs, “You are mine, you shall be mine, you and I are one for ever.”

“Nevertheless life and death are mysterious states, and we know little of the resources of either.”

“I have been in love with no one, and never shall,” she whispered, “unless it should be with you.”