Chapter 28

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

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

           Shestarted.

           “Don’taskme.Itoldyouwhy—partly.Iamnotgoodenough—notworthyenough.”

           “How?Notfineladyenough?”

           “Yes—somethinglikethat,”murmuredshe.“Yourfriendswouldscornme.”

           “Indeed,youmistakethem—myfatherandmother.Asformybrothers,Idon’tcare—“Heclaspedhisfingersbehindherbacktokeepherfromslippingaway.“Now—youdidnotmeanit,sweet?—Iamsureyoudidnot!YouhavemademesorestlessthatIcannotread,orplay,ordoanything.