I think I moved a little to be the more completely engulfed by him, to lay against his the ache of my empty breast; all these years I had not known how empty. We kissed at last and Joy came upon us. We loved; we kissed again between laughter. I remember little snatches of explanation in the intervals of kissing.
"All this time, Helmeth, I have wanted you so."
"I was on my way to you. All last winter in Alaska ... in the long night, Olivia. I should have come soon."
"Oh," I cried, "I have been drawn across the sea to you. All the way I felt you calling!"
"We had to meet again; had to!"
After a time I insisted that he should sit down. "You haven't had any tea." I tried to get control of myself. I was crossing the room to ring when he swept me up again.
"Look here, Olivia, I don't want any tea. I want you. God!" he said, "do you know how I want you?" All at once I was crying on his breast.
"Oh, Helmeth, Helmeth, do you know you have only seen me twice in your life."
"And both times," he insisted, "I've wanted to marry you."