But"--she
drew a big breath, like a climber who has reached the height--"but--I
came to you, didn't I?"
Hugh's eyes widened, the pupils swallowing her light. "You--you came
to me? Not for Pete's sake?"
"Never for his sake."
"But, Bella--you laughed at me."
"Yes, once, for your poor folly in trying to be what you are not.
When have I ever laughed at what you are? It's what you are I've
loved, my dear, just what you are--a tormented child. Only be honest
with me, Hugh. Tell me what do you want: the moon now or--or all the
truth?"
"I want the truth--and the end," he said. "I'm going down the river."
She glanced at the flood as though it were a brook. "I am going with
you then. You must take me. My life has always been yours."
He laid one of his hands on either of her cheeks so that her face
was framed for him to read. It was flushed; the deep eyes were
beautiful.
"You--all these empty years! _You_, Bella." It was as though he saw
her now for the first time. The revelation dazzled him. "I've gone
thirsty, with wine at my elbow, until it's too late." He shook his
shoulders. "Come with me, then, if you must."
She stepped into the boat and sat in the stern, her hands folded in
her lap, her eyes in their great and sudden beauty still fixed on
his face.
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