He had told himself
many times that his passion, however strong, would never again
conquer as it had done two nights ago--and the fact that he
had come thus candidly to Eve's room was to his mind a proof
that temptation could be dared. Nevertheless there was
something disconcerting to a strong man in this merely
physical perturbation; and when Eve's voice came to him,
giving permission to enter, he paused for an instant to steady
himself; then with sudden decision he opened the door and
walked into the room.
The blinds were partly drawn, there was a scent of violets in
the air, and a fire glowed warmly in the grate. He noted
these things carefully, telling himself that a man should
always be alertly sensible of his surroundings; then all at
once the nice balancing of detail suddenly gave way. He
forgot everything but the one circumstance that Eve was
standing in the window--her back to the light, her face
towards him. With his pulses beating faster and an unsteady
sensation in his brain, he moved forward holding out his hand.
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