"Why couldn't you have stayed out of my life?" he asked, half seriously, half teasingly.
"Would you want me to?" she asked softly.
"No," he admitted, running his fingers through her hair. "But this isn't the way I want things. I suppose we should be thankful for these few days while she's in the hospital, but I'm ashamed to be."
"So am I," confessed Alina, "but, darling, I've been so happy here alone with you. Tell me, why did you marry Grida?"
"I'm not sure I know," he answered slowly. "I'd hate to have to try to analyze my motives right now. I like Grida and respect her, but I don't love her. I couldn't. I love you, Alina."
"Let's end this sneaking about behind Grida's back, Lao," she urged earnestly, looking up into his face. "It isn't fair to her. Get a divorce and let's marry each other."
"You know the law doesn't permit a man to seek a divorce, Alina. And Grida wouldn't release me now. She loves me."
"Grida will divorce you," said Alina positively. "It will hurt her, but she will. Grida is a history teacher, and her moral code is strict—and out of date. It scarcely gets lip service any more from most people."
"You're suggesting I tell her about us? I couldn't, Alina! I can't let her ever find out."
"But she will," said Alina, her eyes shining. "Lao, I'm going to have a baby."