Читать книгу The Passionate Quest онлайн

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"I was never more serious in my life," he assured her stolidly. "Our triangular housekeeping is at an end. I start life under new auspices within the next few days. You can come with me, if you like, and a great deal that you prayed for when we left Norchester may in time come your way. Or you can stay with Philip, and either starve or find your way to the workhouse within the next few weeks."

The light seemed to have died out of her face, the warmth of the wine from her veins. She shivered as though she were again feeling the cold.

"I cannot leave Philip," she said gently. "I would not if I could. He needs me now more than he will at any time in life."

"It is possible," Matthew declared, in measured tones, "that I am in the same position. It is for you to choose."

She leaned back in her chair. In a sense, the world—her small world—seemed to be tumbling to pieces around her. Her thoughts flashed back to Norchester, to the sunny afternoon when the wind had made music in the rustling cornfields and the pine trees under which they had lain and planned their revolt. It was little more than six months ago, but an unsuspected shadow had crept into the world. She felt the change without being fully able to understand it.