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The Egotist Considers
Atanyrate,Amorywatchedthenightthatshouldhavebeentheconsummationofromanceglidebywithgreatmothsoverheadandtheheavyfragranceofroadsidegardens,butwithoutthosebrokenwords,thoselittlesighs....
Afterwardtheysupperedongingeraleanddevil’sfoodinthepantry,andAmoryannouncedadecision.
"I’mleavingearlyinthemorning."
"Why?"
"Whynot?"hecountered.
"There’snoneed."
"However,I’mgoing."
"Well,ifyouinsistonbeingridiculous—"
"Oh,don’tputitthatway,"heobjected.
"—justbecauseIwon’tletyoukissme.Doyouthink—"
"Now,Isabelle,"heinterrupted,"youknowit’snotthat—evensupposeitis.We’vereachedthestagewhereweeitheroughttokiss—or—or—nothing.Itisn’tasifyouwererefusingonmoralgrounds."
Shehesitated.
"Ireallydon’tknowwhattothinkaboutyou,"shebegan,inafeeble,perverseattemptatconciliation."You’resofunny."
"How?"
"Well,Ithoughtyouhadalotofself-confidenceandallthat;rememberyoutoldmetheotherdaythatyoucoulddoanythingyouwanted,orgetanythingyouwanted?"
Amoryflushed.Hehadtoldheralotofthings.
"Yes."
"Well,youdidn’tseemtofeelsoself-confidentto-night.Maybeyou’rejustplainconceited."
"No,I’mnot,"hehesitated.