He hardly knew whether or not he took it
until he felt the close, warm pressure of her fingers. Never before had
he so poignantly realized that innate splendor of femininity that was
uniquely hers, a quality more potent than any mere beauty. Her look met
his straight and frankly, but he heard the breath flutter at her lips,
and he thought to read in her eyes a question, a hunger, and a delight.
His voice was under rigid control as he said:
"I didn't know you were to be here, Mrs. Eyre."
"I knew that you were," she retorted. "And I'm not Mrs. Eyre, please.
I'm Io."
He shook his head. "That was in another world."
"Oh, Ban, Ban!" she said. Her lips seemed to cherish the name that they
gave forth so softly. "Don't be a silly Ban. It's the same world, only
older; a million years older, I think.... I came here only because you
were coming. Are you a million years older, Ban?"
"Unfair," he said hoarsely.
"I'm never unfair. I play the game." Her little, firm chin went up
defiantly. Yes: she was more lovely and vivid and desirable than in the
other days. Or was it only the unstifled yearning in his heart that made
her seem so? "Have you missed me?" she asked simply.
He made no answer.
"I've missed you." She walked over to the window and stood looking out
into the soft and breathing murk of the night.
Pages:
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496