“Thank you for that, dear. It hasn’t made any difference, has it?”
“I can’t tell a fib. It hasn’t—in that way. But don’t think I’m not grateful.”
“Damn the gratitude!” said Dick, huskily, to the paddle-box.
“What’s the use of worrying? You know I should ruin your life, and you’d ruin mine, as things are now. You remember what you said when you were so angry that day in the Park? One of us has to be broken.
Can’t you wait till that day comes?”
“No, love. I want you unbroken—all to myself.”
Maisie shook her head. “My poor Dick, what can I say!”
“Don’t say anything. Give me a kiss. Only one kiss, Maisie. I’ll swear I won’t take any more. You might as well, and then I can be sure you’re grateful.”
Maisie put her cheek forward, and Dick took his reward in the darkness.
It was only one kiss, but, since there was no time-limit specified, it was a long one. Maisie wrenched herself free angrily, and Dick stood abashed and tingling from head to toe.