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He had to force the words out. It was a horrible effort.
‘Now you’ve said that I don’t mind telling you that I wish
I had come out with you that evening. I thought Miller was
a gentleman, but I’ve discovered my mistake now. I soon
sent him about his business.’
Philip gave a little gasp.
‘Mildred, won’t you come out with me tonight? Let’s go
and dine somewhere.’
‘Oh, I can’t. My aunt’ll be expecting me home.’
‘I’ll send her a wire. You can say you’ve been detained
in the shop; she won’t know any better. Oh, do come, for
God’s sake. I haven’t seen you for so long, and I want to talk
to you.’
She looked down at her clothes.
‘Never mind about that. We’ll go somewhere where it
doesn’t matter how you’re dressed. And we’ll go to a music-
hall afterwards. Please say yes. It would give me so much
pleasure.’
She hesitated a moment; he looked at her with pitifully
appealing eyes.
‘Well, I don’t mind if I do. I haven’t been out anywhere
since I don’t know how long.’
It was with the greatest difficulty he could prevent him-
self from seizing her hand there and then to cover it with
kisses.

Of Human Bondage