Chapter II

astotouchhim.Whydidhenotopenhisarmsandtakeherinthem,andkissherasshehaddreamtthathewouldkissher? Buthetookherhandandthecontactthrilledherherkneesweregivingway,andshealmosttottered. “What’sthematter?”hesaid.“Areyoutrembling?” “I’monlyalittlecold.”Shewastryingwithallhermighttospeaknaturally.Nothingcameintoherheadtosay. “You’vegotnothingon,”hesaid.“Youmustwearmycoat.”Hebegantotakeitoff. “No,”shesaid,“thenyou’llbecold.” “Ohno,Ishan’t.” Whathewasdoingseemedtoheramarvelofunselfishkindnessshewasbesideherselfwithgratitude. “It’sawfullygoodofyou,Edward,”shewhispered,almosttearfully. Whenheputitroundhershoulders,thetouchofhishandsmadeherlosethelittleself-controlshehadleft.Acuriousspasmpassedthroughher,andshepressedherselfclosertohimatthesametimehishandssankdown,droppingthecloak,andencircledherwaist.Thenshesurrenderedherselfentirelytohisembraceandliftedherfacetohis.Hebentdownandkissedher.Thekisswassuchuttermadnessthatshealmostgroaned.Shecouldnottellifitwaspainorpleasure.Sheflungherarmsroundhisneckanddrewhimtoher. “WhatafoolIam,”shesaidatlast,withsomethingbetweenasobandalaugh.Shedrewherselfalittleaway,thoughnotsoviolentlyastomakehimwithdrawthearmwhichsocomfortablyencircledher. Butwhydidhesaynothing?Whydidhenotswearhelovedher?Whydidhenotaskwhatshewassowillingtogrant?Sherestedherheadonhisshoulder. “Doyoulikemeatall,Bertha?”heasked.“I’vebeenwantingtoaskyoualmosteversinceyoucamehome.” “Can’tyousee?”Shewasreassuredsheunderstoodthatitwasonlytimiditythatcloggedhistongue.“You’resoabsurdlybashful.” “YouknowwhoIam,Berthaand——“hehesitated. “Andwhat,foolishboy?”shenestledstillmorecloselytohim. “Andyou’reMissLeyofCourtLeys,whileI’mjustoneofyourtenants,withnothingwhatevertomyback.” “I’vegotverylittle,”shesaid.“AndifIhadtenthousandayear,myonlywishwouldbetolayitatyourfeet.” “Bertha,whatd’youmean?Don’tbecrueltome.YouknowwhatIwant,but——“ “AsfarasIcanmakeout,”shesaid,laughing,“youwantmetoproposetoyou.” “Oh,Bertha,don’tlaughatme.IloveyouIwanttoaskyoutomarryme.ButIhaven’tgotanythingtoofferyou,andIknowIough