Page 459 - women-in-love

He stood up and looked into her face. It was new and oh, so
delicate in its luminous wonder and fear. He put his arms
round her, and she hid her face on his shoulder.
It was peace, just simple peace, as he stood folding her
quietly there on the open lane. It was peace at last. The old,
detestable world of tension had passed away at last, his soul
was strong and at ease.
She looked up at him. The wonderful yellow light in her
eyes now was soft and yielded, they were at peace with each
other. He kissed her, softly, many, many times. A laugh
came into her eyes.
‘Did I abuse you?’ she asked.
He smiled too, and took her hand, that was so soft and
given.
‘Never mind,’ she said, ‘it is all for the good.’ He kissed
her again, softly, many times.
‘Isn’t it?’ she said.
‘Certainly,’ he replied. ‘Wait! I shall have my own back.’
She laughed suddenly, with a wild catch in her voice, and
flung her arms around him.
‘You are mine, my love, aren’t you?’ she cried straining
him close.
‘Yes,’ he said, softly.
His voice was so soft and final, she went very still, as if
under a fate which had taken her. Yes, she acquiesced—but
it was accomplished without her acquiescence. He was kiss-
ing her quietly, repeatedly, with a soft, still happiness that
almost made her heart stop beating.
‘My love!’ she cried, lifting her face and looking with

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