Chapter 28

           

           Herrefusal,thoughunexpected,didnotpermanentlydauntClare.Hisexperienceofwomenwasgreatenoughforhimtobeawarethatthenegativeoftenmeantnothingmorethantheprefacetotheaffirmative;anditwaslittleenoughforhimnottoknowthatinthemannerofthepresentnegativetherelayagreatexceptiontothedallyingsofcoyness.Thatshehadalreadypermittedhimtomakelovetoherhereadasanadditionalassurance,notfullytrowingthatinthefieldsandpasturesto“sighgratis”isbynomeansdeemedwaste;love-makingbeingheremoreoftenacceptedinconsideratelyandforitsownsweetsakethaninthecarkinganxioushomesoftheambitious,whereagirl’scravingforanestablishmentparalyzesherhealthythoughtofapassionasanend.

           “Tess,whydidyousay‘no’insuchapositiveway?”heaskedherinthecourseofafewdays.

           Shestarted.

           “Don’taskme.Itoldyouwhypartly.Iamnotgoodenoughnotworthyenough.”

           “How?Notfineladyenough?”

           “Yessomethinglikethat,”murmuredshe.“Yourfriendswouldscornme.”

           “Indeed,youmistakethemmyfatherandmother.Asformybrothers,Idon’tcareHeclaspedhisfingersbehindherbacktokeepherfromslippingaway.“Nowyoudidnotmeanit,sweet?Iamsureyoudidnot!YouhavemademesorestlessthatIcannotread,orplay,ordoanything.

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