and turn her face away when the man — to whom she owes all — to whom she is — utterly devoted — urges her toward emotions — toward matters strange to her — and too profound as yet. So I ask you, for a time, to let what sleeps within us both lie sleeping, undisturbed. There is a love more natural, more imperious, more passionate still; and — it has led me here! And I will not confuse it with any other sentiment; nor share it with any man — not even with you — dear as you have become to me — lonely as I am, — no, not even with you will I share it! For I have vowed that I shall never slake my thirst with love save first in her dear embrace� . After these wistful, stark, and barren years — loveless, weary, naked, and unkind — — ” Suddenly she covered her face