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Walpole, Hugh, Sir, 1884-1941

"The Captives"

"He mutters
to himself--and he eats nothing. His room is next to mine, and he
walked up and down all night talking. I don't know how he keeps
alive."
Perhaps Aunt Anne thought Martin's tone irreverent. She relapsed
into herself and seemed suddenly, with a spiritual wave of the hand,
to have dismissed the whole company.
Martin took his leave. He barely touched Maggie's hand, but his eyes
leapt upon hers with all the fire of a greeting too long delayed.
His lips did not move, but she heard the whisper "Soon!" Then he was
gone.
Soon! She felt as though she could not wait another instant but must
immediately run after him, follow him into the street, and make
clear his plans both for himself and her.
Then, continuing her struggle of the long day, she beat into herself
endurance; she was in a new world, in a world with roads and cities,
mountains, rivers, seas and forests that had to be traversed by her,
to be learnt and remembered and conquered, and for the success of
this she must have her own spirit absolutely aloof and firm and
brave. She loved him. That must be enough for her, and meanwhile she
need not lose her common sense and vision of everyday life .


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