Page 472 - of-human-bondage-

She seemed anxious to make him drink up the cup of his
humiliation; but he knew her well enough to know that she
spoke at random; she hurt him frightfully, and never even
tried to. He did not answer.
‘It was a nasty trick you played on me, spying on me like
that. I always thought you was a gentleman in every sense
of the word.’
‘Don’t be beastly to me, Mildred. I can’t bear it.’
‘You are a funny feller. I can’t make you out.’
‘It’s very simple. I’m such a blasted fool as to love you
with all my heart and soul, and I know that you don’t care
twopence for me.’
‘If you had been a gentleman I think you’d have come
next day and begged my pardon.’
She had no mercy. He looked at her neck and thought
how he would like to jab it with the knife he had for his
muffin. He knew enough anatomy to make pretty certain of
getting the carotid artery. And at the same time he wanted
to cover her pale, thin face with kisses.
‘If I could only make you understand how frightfully I’m
in love with you.’
‘You haven’t begged my pardon yet.’
He grew very white. She felt that she had done nothing
wrong on that occasion. She wanted him now to humble
himself. He was very proud. For one instant he felt inclined
to tell her to go to hell, but he dared not. His passion made
him abject. He was willing to submit to anything rather
than not see her.
‘I’m very sorry, Mildred. I beg your pardon.’

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