Page 554 - of-human-bondage-

out again, so he got her slippers and took off her boots. It
delighted him to perform menial offices.
‘You do spoil me,’ she said, running her fingers af-
fectionately through his hair, while he was on his knees
unbuttoning her boots.
He took her hands and kissed them.
‘It is nipping to have you here.’
He arranged the cushions and the photograph frames.
She had several jars of green earthenware.
‘I’ll get you some flowers for them,’ he said.
He looked round at his work proudly.
‘As I’m not going out any more I think I’ll get into a tea-
gown,’ she said. ‘Undo me behind, will you?’
She turned round as unconcernedly as though he were
a woman. His sex meant nothing to her. But his heart was
filled with gratitude for the intimacy her request showed.
He undid the hooks and eyes with clumsy fingers.
‘That first day I came into the shop I never thought I’d
be doing this for you now,’ he said, with a laugh which he
forced.
‘Somebody must do it,’ she answered.
She went into the bed-room and slipped into a pale blue
tea-gown decorated with a great deal of cheap lace. Then
Philip settled her on a sofa and made tea for her.
‘I’m afraid I can’t stay and have it with you,’ he said re-
gretfully. ‘I’ve got a beastly appointment. But I shall be back
in half an hour.’
He wondered what he should say if she asked him what
the appointment was, but she showed no curiosity. He had