"I've none," he cried in an extremity of bitterness. "But I'll have one yet, and I'll keep her fast!"
She lifted her head in the haughty way he dreaded. "I will not endure suspicions," she said clearly, but she flushed at her own words, for she remembered that she had been willing to give Zebedee the lesser tokens of her love, and it was only by his sternness that she could look George in the eyes. Zebedee would have taken her boldly and completely, believing his action justified, but he would have no little secret dealings, and she was abashed by the realization of her willingness to deceive. She was the nearer to George by that discovery, and the one shame made her readier to suffer more.
"It's because I want you," he said, shading his eyes; and for the first time she had no resentment for his desires.
"Oh, George, don't you think you had better go home?" she said.
"Why?" he asked her.
"Because—because I want to read."
"Well, I can watch you."
"And you won't think it rude?"
He shook his head. There was a rare joy in sitting within reach of her and honouring her with his restraint.
Her slim feet were crossed on the dog's back, and she hardly stirred except to turn a page: the firelight threw colours on her dress, behind her there was a dark dresser where china gleamed, and sitting there, she made a little picture of home for a man who could remember none but hired women in his house.