He returned to the flat after four o’clock. It was pretty obvious that the place hadn’t been touched since he had been away. It was in a complete mess, and George felt suddenly depressed and a little irritated. He put Leo on the settee. He had collected the cat on his way back to the flat, and set to work to tidy up. Cora wasn’t in. Her bedroom was dirty, and hopelessly untidy, and there was cigarette ash over everything
It took him until almost six o’clock before he had straightened the flat, then he made himself a cup of tea and sat down. Leo got onto his lap.
George wondered where Cora had got to. He wondered hopefully if she had missed him. Perhaps tonight she would decide that it was time to be nice to him. Somehow he didn’t think he could go on indefinitely like this. The strain was beginning to tell on him. He could understand her feelings for Sydney. Though how she could have loved a fellow like that defeated him. Sydney had been very firm with her. Perhaps he had better he firm, too. Perhaps… he clenched his fists. It was no good thinking now. He would see her tonight.
Cora returned at half past six. George heard her come in and go to her bedroom Almost immediately she came into the sittingroom.
“So you’re back,” she said, looking at hint curiously.
He looked at her, aware of a tightening in his throat. She was wearing wine-coloured slacks and a white silk-and-wool sweater. Her long black hair curled to her shoulders and partly hid her right eye.
George drew in a quick, deep breath. The sweater and slacks set off her sensual little figure. The sight of her in these new clothes fired his blood. He pushed Leo off his lap and went to her. "Cora!” he said, taking her in his arms. “Can’t you be kind to me now? Do I have to wait much longer, Cora? Look!” He pushed her away and took out the roll of notes. “Two hundred pounds! Think what we can do with that! I can get more. But can’t you give me just a little…?”
She studied him, a strange expression in her eyes. “I think so, George,” she said at last. “Yes, I think so I think you’ve waited long enough.”
He took her in his arms again and kissed her. She stood quite still, her eyes closed, cold, indifferent. He tried to move her by his kisses, but her mouth was a hard line. He let her go at last, and sat down.
“I’ve got to get used to the idea,” she said gently. “It’s no good rushing me. George, will you do something for me?”