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of her auburn hair. He could not imagine himself burying
his face in Miss Wilkinson’s hair, it always struck him as
a little sticky. All the same it would be very satisfactory to
have an intrigue, and he thrilled with the legitimate pride
he would enjoy in his conquest. He owed it to himself to se-
duce her. He made up his mind to kiss Miss Wilkinson; not
then, but in the evening; it would be easier in the dark, and
after he had kissed her the rest would follow. He would kiss
her that very evening. He swore an oath to that effect.
He laid his plans. After supper he suggested that they
should take a stroll in the garden. Miss Wilkinson accepted,
and they sauntered side by side. Philip was very nervous.
He did not know why, but the conversation would not lead
in the right direction; he had decided that the first thing
to do was to put his arm round her waist; but he could not
suddenly put his arm round her waist when she was talking
of the regatta which was to be held next week. He led her
artfully into the darkest parts of the garden, but having ar-
rived there his courage failed him. They sat on a bench, and
he had really made up his mind that here was his oppor-
tunity when Miss Wilkinson said she was sure there were
earwigs and insisted on moving. They walked round the
garden once more, and Philip promised himself he would
take the plunge before they arrived at that bench again; but
as they passed the house, they saw Mrs. Carey standing at
the door.
‘Hadn’t you young people better come in? I’m sure the
night air isn’t good for you.’
‘Perhaps we had better go in,’ said Philip. ‘I don’t want

Of Human Bondage