Love me, Clare--love me and it will
all come back. And then if you'll only love me I'll be able to write the
most wonderful books. I'll be famous all the world over--if you'll only
love me, Clare darling--"
He dropt on to his knees before her and looking up at her
whispered--"Clare--darling, darling--you're all that I've got
now--everything in the world. And in return I'll try to be everything to
you. I'll spend my life in making you happy. I'll care for only one thing
and that is to be your servant. Clare--Clare--"
She gave a little protesting cry--"Peter, Peter--don't--I--I--can't--" and
then in a shuddering whisper--"Peter--I'm not good enough--I don't love you
now--I--can't--"
But he had caught her, was holding her to him now, with both his arms round
her, pressing her against his shirt, hurting her--at last covering her
mouth, her eyes, her cheeks with kisses.
He had not heard those words now, in the triumph of having her back again,
his as she had been on the first day of their marriage, did not feel her
body unresponsive, her hands cold, nor did he see the appeal, wild and
desperate, in her eyes....
At last he left her, closing, softly her door between them.
CHAPTER XIV
PETER BUYS A PRESENT
I
Peter did not hesitate now. He should win Clare back with his strong right
hand and he would rule The Roundabout with a rod of iron.
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