The Forsyte Saga - Volume 3

"Yes," muttered Jon, "life's beastly short. One wants to live forever,

and know everything."

"And love everybody?"

"No," cried Jon; "I only want to love once--you."

"Indeed! You're coming on! Oh! Look! There's the chalk-pit; we can't be

very far now. Let's run."

Jon followed, wondering fearfully if he had offended her.

The chalk-pit was full of sunshine and the murmuration of bees. Fleur

flung back her hair.

"Well," she said, "in case of accidents, you may give me one kiss, Jon,"

and she pushed her cheek forward. With ecstasy he kissed that hot soft

cheek.

"Now, remember! We lost our way; and leave it to me as much as you can.

I'm going to be rather beastly to you; it's safer; try and be beastly to

me!"

Jon shook his head. "That's impossible."

"Just to please me; till five o'clock, at all events."

"Anybody will be able to see through it," said Jon gloomily.

"Well, do your best. Look! There they are! Wave your hat! Oh! you

haven't got one. Well, I'll cooee! Get a little away from me, and look

sulky."

Five minutes later, entering the house and doing his utmost to look

sulky, Jon heard her clear voice in the dining-room:

"Oh! I'm simply ravenous! He's going to be a farmer--and he loses his

way! The boy's an idiot!"