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 able that I should permit this sort of thing to go on?”

“What do you want?”

“You. I have come for you now.”

“T cannot go with you.”

“You mean you will not?”

“Put it that way if you like. There is noth- ing between us—nothing.”

“Not even duty?”

“I gave you duty even when I could no longer give you honour or respect.”

“Yet you must come back with me, Irene. I’m sorry, but it’s something I owe myself. Come, put on your hat and things. The car’s waiting near the bridge. We'll go back to town—or wherever you like. Nor must you harbour malice, nor remember unpleasant things. I was jealous, and your indifference made me furious. I think you are very beauti- ful, Irene; you know I always admired that exquisite throat of yours. Well, I admire it still. I think you have the loveliest throat in the world.”

She was more frightened of him now than she had ever been. The very madness of lust was burning in his eyes; his loose mouth worked

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