always sounded strange; re…echoing in the dark places of her
being。
They very rarely touched each other。 They liked to be alone
together; near to each other; but there was still a distance
between them。
In the cool dairy the candle…light lit on the large; white
surfaces of the cream pans。 He turned his head sharply。 It was
so cool and remote in there; so remote。 His mouth was open in a
little; strained laugh。 She stood with her head bent; turned
aside。 He wanted to go near to her。 He had kissed her once。
Again his eye rested on the round blocks of butter; where the
emblematic bird lifted its breast from the shadow cast by the
candle flame。 What was restraining him? Her breast was near him;
his head lifted like an eagles。 She did not move。 Suddenly;
ent; he put his arms
round her and drew her to him。 It was quick; cleanly done; like
a bird that swoops and sinks close; closer。
He was kissing her throat。 She turned and looked at him。 Her
eyes were dark and flowing with fire。 His eyes were hard and
bright with a fierce purpose and gladness; like a hawks。 She
felt him flying into the dark space of her flames; like a brand;
like a gleaming hawk。
They had looked at each other; and seen each other strange;
yet near; very near; like a hawk stooping; swooping; dropping
into a flame of darkness。 So she took the candle and they went
back to the kitchen。
They went on in this way for some time; always ing
together; but rarely touching; very seldom did they kiss。 And
then; often; it was merely a touch of the lips; a sign。 But her
eyes began to waken with a constant fire; she paused often in
the midst of her transit; as if to recollect something; or to
discover something。
And his face became sombre; intent; he did not really hear
what was said to him。
One evening in August he came when it was raining。 He came in
with his jacket collar turned up; his jacket buttoned close; his
face wet。 And he looked so slim and definite; ing out of the
chill rain; she was suddenly blinded with love for him。 Yet he
sat and talked with her father and mother; meaninglessly; whilst
her blood seethed to anguish in her。 She wanted to touch him