Front matter (continued 9)
Reading edition
For he should have spoken before, long ago, almost in the beginning. Because he had always loved her. He had known it for days, now; and yet with that blind delay and distrust of self to which some men are fated, he had waited too long to ask of her what his heart had so long, so blindly desired.
Now it was too late: He should have spoken before.
He should have spoken when she was lonely, friendless, nameless.
Now it was too late.
He turned toward the house, but she did not move, they came face to face under the high stars.
"Can't you—love me?" she faltered.
"Philippa!——"
She flung both arms around his neck.