Chapter 5

           Julianowwaslookingatthephotographofherselfinherwedding-dress.

           "Christ,whatasightIlooked."

           Theydecidedtokeeptheirengagementtothemselves,andJuliatoldnooneaboutitbutJimmieLangton,twoorthreegirlsinthecompanyandherdresser.Shevowedthemtosecrecyandcouldnotunderstandhowwithinforty-eighthourseveryoneinthetheatreseemedtoknowallaboutit.Juliawasdivinelyhappy.ShelovedMichaelmorepassionatelythaneverandwouldgladlyhavemarriedhimthereandthen,buthisgoodsenseprevailed.Theywereatpresentnomorethanacoupleofprovincialactors,andtostarttheirconquestofLondonasamarriedcouplewouldjeopardizetheirchances.Juliashowedhimasclearlyassheknewhow,andthiswasveryclearlyindeed,thatshewasquitewillingtobecomehismistress,butthisherefused.Hewastoohonourabletotakeadvantageofher.

           "Icouldnotlovethee,dear,somuch,lovedInothonourmore,"hequoted.

           Hefeltsurethatwhentheyweremarriedtheywouldbitterlyregretitiftheyhadlivedtogetherbeforeasmanandwife.Juliawasproudofhisprinciples.Hewasakindandaffectionatelover,butinaveryshortwhileseemedtotakeheratrifleforgranted;byhismanner,friendlybutcasual,youmighthavethoughttheyhadbeenmarriedforyears.ButheshowedgreatgoodnatureinallowingJuliatomakelovetohim.Sheadoredtositcuddleduptohimwithhisarmroundherwaist,herfaceagainsthis,anditwasheavenwhenshecouldpresshereagermouthagainsthisratherthinlips.