always sounded strange； re…echoing in the dark places of her
being。
They very rarely touched each other。 They liked to be alone
together； near to each other； but there was still a distance
between them。
In the cool dairy the candle…light lit on the large； white
surfaces of the cream pans。 He turned his head sharply。 It was
so cool and remote in there； so remote。 His mouth was open in a
little； strained laugh。 She stood with her head bent； turned
aside。 He wanted to go near to her。 He had kissed her once。
Again his eye rested on the round blocks of butter； where the
emblematic bird lifted its breast from the shadow cast by the
candle flame。 What was restraining him？ Her breast was near him；
his head lifted like an eagle's。 She did not move。 Suddenly；
ent； he put his arms
round her and drew her to him。 It was quick； cleanly done； like
a bird that swoops and sinks close； closer。
He was kissing her throat。 She turned and looked at him。 Her
eyes were dark and flowing with fire。 His eyes were hard and
bright with a fierce purpose and gladness； like a hawk's。 She
felt him flying into the dark space of her flames； like a brand；
like a gleaming hawk。
They had looked at each other； and seen each other strange；
yet near； very near； like a hawk stooping； swooping； dropping
into a flame of darkness。 So she took the cand