Page 542 - of-human-bondage-
P. 542

‘No, give me a letter to him. I’ll go alone.’
          She was a little calmer now. He sat down and wrote a
       note. Then he remembered that she had no money. He had
       fortunately changed a cheque the day before and was able
       to give her five pounds.
         ‘You are good to me, Philip,’ she said.
         ‘I’m so happy to be able to do something for you.’
         ‘Are you fond of me still?’
         ‘Just as fond as ever.’
          She put up her lips and he kissed her. There was a sur-
       render in the action which he had never seen in her before.
       It was worth all the agony he had suffered.
          She went away and he found that she had been there for
       two hours. He was extraordinarily happy.
         ‘Poor thing, poor thing,’ he murmured to himself, his
       heart glowing with a greater love than he had ever felt be-
       fore.
          He never thought of Norah at all till about eight o’clock a
       telegram came. He knew before opening it that it was from
       her.
          Is anything the matter? Norah.
          He did not know what to do nor what to answer. He could
       fetch her after the play, in which she was walking on, was
       over and stroll home with her as he sometimes did; but his
       whole soul revolted against the idea of seeing her that eve-
       ning. He thought of writing to her, but he could not bring
       himself to address her as usual, dearest Norah. He made up
       his mind to telegraph.
          Sorry. Could not get away, Philip.

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