“Come and say good night nicely, if we're going to say it,” he said.

Still she did not stir. He put his hand out and drew her into the darkness again.

“It's warmer in here,” he said; “a lot cosier.”

His will had not yet relaxed from her. The moment of hatred exhilarated him.

“I'm going now,” she muttered, as he closed his hand over her.

“See how well you fit your place,” he said, as he drew her to her previous position, close upon him. “What do you want to leave it for?”

And gradually the intoxication invaded him again, the zest came back. After all, why should he not take her?