as if hardly yet aware of her own modesty, she dodged aside. His arms being occupied with the reins there was left him no power to prevent her manœuvre.
‘Now, damn it—I’ll break both our necks!’ swore her capriciously passionate companion. ‘So you can go from your word like that, you young witch, can you?’
‘Very well,’ said poor Tess, ‘I’ll not move since you be so determined! But I—thought you would be kind to me, and protect me, as my kinsman!’
‘Kinsman be hanged! Now!’
‘But I don’t want anybody to kiss me, sir!’ she implored, a big tear beginning to roll down her face, and the corners of her mouth trembling in her attempts not to cry. ‘And I wouldn’t ha’ come if I had known!’
He was inexorable, and she sat still, and D’Urberville gave her the kiss of mastery. No sooner had he done so than she flushed with shame, took out her handkerchief, and wiped the spot on her cheek that had been touched by his lips. His ardour was nettled at the sight, for the act on her part had been unconsciously done.
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