“It’s because I have lived so much alone. I have never had more than one or two friends, and I am absurdly jealous when you want to get away from me and amuse yourself with strangers. I can’t talk to such people. I am not suited for society. If I hadn’t met you in that strange way, by miracle, I should never have been able to marry. If I allow you to have these friends—”
“I don’t like to hear that word. Why should you say allow? Do you think of me as your servant, Edmund?”
“You know how I think of you. It is I who am your servant, your slave.”
“Oh, I can’t believe that!” She pressed her handkerchief to her cheeks, and laughed unnaturally. “Such words don’t mean anything. It is you who forbid and allow and command, and—”
“I will never again use such words. Only convince me that you love me as much as ever.”
“It is so miserable to begin quarrelling—”
“Never again! Say you love me! Put your arms round my neck—press closer to me—”
She kissed his cheek, but did not utter a word.
“You can’t say that you love me?”
“I think I am always showing it. Do get ready for dinner now; it’s past seven. Oh, how foolish you have been!”