Relief breathed through every syllable.
"Don't you realize that, until just now, you haven't kissed me since—"
"Sh! Let's go down; we mustn't disturb Ethan."
That evening, while Ethan sat smoking and writing letters in his room, Val got up from the sofa where she was lying.
"Where are you going?" he said, without turning round.
"Down-stairs. I'll be back by-and-by."
"Come here."
She stood beside him. He leaned back in his chair looking at her till she put her hand over his eyes.
"Don't! don't!" she whispered, leaning her cheek on his hair.
He put his two hands round the little waist, touching the turquoises in her belt.