In this passage from "A Fair Maiden," Katya experiences a complex mix of emotions as she feels Mr. Kidder's trembling hands and senses his palpable excitement. Though she is repulsed by his touch, her desire to leave the room overwhelms her. Despite her heart racing in discomfort, she tries to remain composed and polite, showing her internal struggle between revulsion and the emotional weight of the moment.
Mr. Kidder's gaze reveals a deep tenderness, stirring feelings within Katya that make her throat tighten with emotion. As he leans in closer, she braces herself, anticipating a kiss, but he only brushes his lips against her forehead instead. This moment encapsulates the tension between their contrasting feelings, highlighting Katya’s desire for freedom and the complicated dynamics of love and longing.