“No, I want to do what you like.”
He had the sense to realise his happiness. It seemed to him that she gave him all that a wife could, and he preserved his freedom; she was the most charming friend he had ever had, with a sympathy that he had never found in a man. The sexual relationship was no more than the strongest link in their friendship. It completed it, but was not essential. And because Philip’s appetites were satisfied, he became more equable and easier to live with. He felt in complete possession of himself. He thought sometimes of the winter, during which he had been obsessed by a hideous passion, and he was filled with loathing for Mildred and with horror of himself.
His examinations were approaching, and Norah was as interested in them as he. He was flattered and touched by her eagerness. She made him promise to come at once and tell her the results. He passed the three parts this time without mishap, and when he went to tell her she burst into tears.
“Oh, I’m so glad, I was so anxious.”
“You silly little thing,” he laughed, but he was choking.
No one could help being pleased with the way she took it.
“And what are you going to do now?” she asked.
“I can take a holiday with a clear conscience. I have no work to do till the winter session begins in October.”
“I suppose you’ll go down to your uncle’s at Blackstable?”
“You suppose quite wrong. I’m going to stay in London and play with you.”