'Not for the first time,' she answered.
She knew that he was disconcerted, shaken in his harshness, and added,—
'I know what you think of me sometimes, Julian. I have nothing to say in my own defence. Perhaps there is only one good thing in me, but that you must promise me never to attack.'
'What is it?'
'You sound very sceptical,' she answered wistfully. 'My love for you; let us leave it at that.'
'I wonder!' he said; and again, 'I wonder!...'
She moved a little closer to him, and leaned against him, so that her hair brushed his cheek. Awkwardly and absent-mindedly, he put his arms round her; he could feel her heart beating through her thin muslin shirt, and lifting her bare arm in his hand he weighed it pensively; she lay against him, allowing him to do as he pleased; physically he held her nearer, but morally he was far away. Humiliating herself, she lay silent, willing to sacrifice the pride of her body if therewith she might purchase his return. But he, awaking with a start from his brooding grievances, put her away from him. If temptation was to overcome him, it must rush him by assault; not thus, sordid and unlit.... He rose, saying,—
'It is very late; you must go to bed; good-night.'