"I made everything that I am wearing—except the shoes and stockings. But they are perfectly new…. I wanted to come to you—perfectly new. There was a Valerie who didn't really love you. She thought she did, but she didn't…. So I left her behind when I came—left everything about her behind me. I am all new, Louis…. Are you afraid to love me?"
He drew her closer; she turned, partly, and put both arms around his neck, and their lips touched and clung.
Then, a little pale, she drew away from him, a vague smile tremulous on her lips. The confused sweetness of her eyes held him breathless with their enchantment; the faint fragrance of her dazed him.
In silence she bent her head, remained curbed, motionless for a few moments, then slowly lifted her eyes to his.
"How much do you want me, Louis?"
"You know."
"Enough to—give me up?"
His lips stiffened and refused at first, then:
"Yes," they motioned. And she saw the word they formed.
"I knew it," she breathed; "I only wanted to hear you say it again…. I don't know why I'm crying;—do you?… What a perfect ninny a girl can be when she tries to…. All over your 'collar, too…. And now you're what Mr. Mantalini would call 'demned moist and unpleasant!' … I—I don't want to—s-sob—this way! I do-don't wish to … M-make me stop, Louis!… I'd like a handkerchief—anything—give me Gladys and I'll staunch my tears on her!"