"And now?"
"You fill my heart and mind as always. But you know that."
"I thought—perhaps—not seeing you—"
"Clive!"
"—Other men—other interests—" he muttered obstinately, and so like a stubborn boy that, for a moment, a pale flash from the past seemed to light them both, and she found herself smiling:
"A girl must go on living until she is dead, Clive. Even if you went away I'd continue to exist until something ended me. Other men are merely other men. You are you."
"You darling!"
But she turned shy instantly, conscious now of his embrace, confused by it and the whispered endearment.
"Please let me go, Clive."
"But I love you, dear—"