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Celibates by George (George Augustus) Moore
page 116 of 375 (30%)
their arms about each other's waists; and, while questioning Mildred
about herself and telling her about themselves, they frequently looked
whither their lovers sat smoking. Sometimes Mildred felt them press
her along the walk which passed by the dining table. But for half an
hour their attractions were arrayed vainly against those of cigarettes
and _petits verres_. Rose was the only woman who remained at table.
She hung over her lover, desirous that he should listen to her.
Mildred thought, 'What a fool.... We shall see presently.'

The moment the young men got up Cissy and Elsie forgot Mildred. An
angry expression came upon her face and she went into the house. The
walls had been painted all over--landscapes, still life, nude figures,
rustic, and elegiac subjects. Every artist had painted something in
memory of his visit, and Mildred sought vaguely for what Mr. Mitchell
had painted. Then, remembering that he had chosen to walk about with
the Turner girl, she abandoned her search and, leaning on the window-
sill, watched the light fading in the garden. She could hear the frogs
in a distant pond, and thought of the night in the forest amid
millions of trees and stars.

Suddenly she heard some one behind her say:

'Do you like being alone?'

It was Morton.

'I'm so used to being alone.'

'Use is a second nature, I will not interrupt your solitude.'

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