His reply was unexpected:
“How can you possibly say I was wrong? You don’t know—you don’t know what may have happened to me since I came here. If I made you think I am a lover by trade I apologize—for it’s the last thing I would have you believe.”
She scarcely knew what to answer, but there was no need, for he started afresh:
“D’you know, I have never been in love with any one before. I have never even made love to any one; but, by God! I want to make love to you. The instant you opened the door I knew something had happened to me. I’m in love with you—do you understand?—absolutely.”
Despite the startled fear these crazy words awoke, Eve could not but feel a sudden impulse of warmth. In the midst of the passionless monotony of her life—at a time when her every thought was doubting if she possessed any one quality to endear—came this sudden avowal, backed by a sincerity that could not be misunderstood. The very surprise written on his face testified that he meant all he had said.
So they looked at each other with the greatest perplexity, and only the silliest, most conventional phrase found its way to Eve’s lips.
“I’m married,” she said. “You forget. You mustn’t speak so.”
“I deny your marriage, so why shouldn’t I speak as I feel? I must speak.”
“When I ask you not?”
His hands fell to his sides.