midday
Why did she not shrink from the pressure of his arm and the contact of his warm , strong body ? What had happened to her ? Quite suddenly she knew -- knew that she loved him , that she had loved him for a long time , even when she thought she hated him and when she had fled from him . She knew now why his face had haunted her in the little oasis at midday -- that it was love calling to her subconsciously . All the confusion of mind that had assailed her when they started on the homeward journey , the conflicting thoughts and contrary emotions , were explained . But she knew herself at last and knew the love that filled her , an overwhelming , passionate love that almost frightened her with its immensity and with the sudden hold it had laid upon her . Love had come to her at last who had scorned it so fiercely .