"Kiss me," she murmured tearfully.
As he kissed her, and as she pressed against him, he absorbed and understood all the emotions through which she had passed and was passing, and from him to her was transmitted an unimaginable tenderness that shamed and atoned for the inclemency of his refusals. He was very happy. He knew that he would not do another stroke of work that night, but still he must pretend to do some. Playfully, without rising, he drew down her veil, smacked her gently on the back, and indicated the door.
"I have to call at Clara's about that wool for Maggie," she said, with courage. His fingering of her veil had given her extreme pleasure.
"I'll bring the kid up," he said.
"Will you?"
She departed, leaving the door unlatched.
II
A draught from the outer door swung wide-open the unlatched door of Edwin's room.
"What are doors for?" he muttered, pleasantly impatient; then he called aloud:
"Simpson. Shut the outer door--and this one, too."