But he couldn’t keep away. There was much discussion among all the people about the events in the Blight, and throughout the morning when he encountered her they felt embarrassed. Their easy attraction seemed almost offensive in the midst of so many troubles. When others were around them they became awkward, self-conscious. They didn’t know how to be intimate and yet formally public at the same time. They were almost too aware of each other. What had been so simple and inevitable on their trip now was complex, burdened by other people’s stares. Making the right move and saying the right word all became difficult.
They wanted to touch each other, but only their eyes were free to do so.
Finally, in the afternoon, they met in Ranglen’s room, more isolated than hers, and they stayed there fo
