No doubt she had been as well
instructed as many another girl, but look at her. She was not obeying
her instructions.
In the next three months this relationship took on a more flagrant form.
Aileen, knowing full well what her parents would think, how unspeakable
in the mind of the current world were the thoughts she was thinking,
persisted, nevertheless, in so thinking and longing. Cowperwood, now
that she had gone thus far and compromised herself in intention, if not
in deed, took on a peculiar charm for her. It was not his body--great
passion is never that, exactly. The flavor of his spirit was what
attracted and compelled, like the glow of a flame to a moth. There was
a light of romance in his eyes, which, however governed and
controlled--was directive and almost all-powerful to her.
When he touched her hand at parting, it was as though she had received
an electric shock, and she recalled that it was very difficult for her
to look directly into his eyes. Something akin to a destructive force
seemed to issue from them at times. Other people, men particularly,
found it difficult to face Cowperwood's glazed stare.
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