‘What do you want me to do?’
‘I want you to be my own Frankie—just the same as before. Ah do, Franck—don’t leave me! You know I would give any of them up for you. And you have a good influence over me—you have really! You call’t think how hard I am with other people. Ask Charlie Scott. He will tell you. I’ve been so different since I have lost sight of you. Now, Frankie, don’t be horrid to me! Kiss and be nice!’ Again her soft warm hand was upon his, and the faint sweet smell of violets went to his blood like wine. He jumped up, lit another cigarette, and paced about the room.
‘You shan’t have a cigarette, Frankie.’
‘Why not?’
‘Because you said once it helped you to control yourself. I don’t want you to control yourself. I want you to feel as I feel.’
‘Do sit down, like a good girl!’
‘Cigarette out!’
‘Don’t be absurd, Violet!’
‘Come, out with it, sir.’
‘No, no, leave it alone!’