Anthony Trollope: The Belton Estate

31. CHAPTER XXXI: TAKING POSSESSION (continued)

She had anticipated that the high rock was to be the altar at which the victim was to be sacrificed; but now he would not wait till he had taken her to the sacred spot. He had of course intended that he would there renew his offer; but he had perceived that his offer had been renewed, and had, in fact, been accepted, during this little parley as to the pathway. There was hardly any necessity for further words. So he must have thought; for, as quick as lightning, he flung his arms around her, and kissed her again, as he had kissed her on that other terrible occasion that occasion on which he had felt that he might hardly hope for pardon.

'William, William,' she said; 'how can you serve me like that?' But he had a full understanding as to his own privileges, and was well aware that he was in the right now, as he had been before that he was trespassing egregiously. 'Why are you so rough with me?' she said.

'Clara, say that you love me.'

'I will say nothing to you because you are so rough.' They were now walking up slowly towards the rocks.

And as he had his arm round her waist, he was contented for awhile to allow her to walk without speaking. But when they were on the summit it was necessary for him that he should have a word from her of positive assurance. 'Clara, say that you love me.'

'Have I not always loved you, Will, since almost the first moment that I saw you?'

'But that won't do. You know that is not fair. Come, Clara; I've had a deal of trouble and grief too; haven't I? You should say a word to make up for it that is, if you can say it.'

'What can a word like that signify to you today? You have got everything.'

'Have I got you?' Still she paused. 'I will have an answer. Have I got you? Are you now my own?'