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said one did not need to be honorable in dealing with devils" |
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"How sad," Geoffrey interrupted, looking concerned but not in the least alarmed. "The poor woman must be disordered in her wits. That is why they keep her above. Probably she believes any stranger is a devil. I suppose she would give Gilliane no peace until she promised that Sir Léon must come home before I was freed." |
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"But she had a knife. Geoffrey, she had" |
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"No, my love, no," he soothed, smiling. "More like she had a crucifixand was about to exorcise me. One does not leave knives where madwomen can get at them." |
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It was possible. Joanna drew a shuddering breath. Geoffrey pulled her still closer, his bad humor greatly assuaged by her fear for him, but she stiffened and resisted. |
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"Let me go," Joanna whispered, beginning to tremble again but unwilling to pull away forcibly lest she hurt him. "Do not touch me, Geoffrey, please do not." |
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"What have I done?" Geoffrey asked, unsure of whether he was more hurt or angry. "Why do yot shrink from me? Why will you not look in my face? Have the few marks upon me made. me Joathesome to you? Have you cast your eyes elsewhere, thinking me dead?" |
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The last question made it clear to Geoffrey himself that he was furious rather than hurt. He tightened his grip upon Joanna brutally. Utterly unstrung by her frustration and a horrible chill of fear that Geoffrey's reasoning had not really removed, Joanna began to sob. It seemed to confirm Geoffrey's worst fears. He released one of her hands and slapped her faue, then began to struggle to lift himself upright without letting her go completely. |
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"No, no," Joanna cried, choking, "no, Geoffrey. You will hurt yourself. Indeed, indeed, there is no one but you. Let me go, oh, please let me go. I want what you cannot give me now. My love, let me go. I cannot bear my need for you." |
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Geoffrey stopped moving instantly, but he did not let Joanna go. There was a short silence. Joanna wept afresh |
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