Gynecocracy

Elise had drawn the blinds and curtains and left the window open. The fresh fragrant air of the May morning entered, reviving and exhilarating me. The sun was shining brightly and the birds were singing gaily outside, as they hopped about on the dew-laden lawns. There was a gentle and sweet breeze which wafted in the scent of the flowers and made low melody with the boughs of the ornamented trees; and I was seated by her own desire close to a young woman who each moment disclosed fresh beauties and charms. I was in her bed-petted, fed, and caressed by her. What a multitude of little endearments she showered upon me! She placed her dainty fingers against my lips and let me drink from her cup. She let me try to cover myself with the masses of her wealth of hair, and rested her head lovingly against my shoulder. Presently to crown all, having pushed away the table, she slipped her hand underneath the sheets, and playfully taking hold of that portion of me which Elise had so tortured, asked me with a bewitching look for my experiences of the night and whether I felt at all naughty. Her air was most engaging and fascinating and her manner full of encouragement. I responded at once and described to her how I had enjoyed my slumbers, and she asked what I had dreamt about.

"Of you, Mademoiselle, and, oh, I do feel so naughty."

"No need to tell me so, Julian, I can feel it," pinching me meaningly. "And, do you know, so do I, a little."

Who that was human could have helped it, in that luxury and that paradise, a perfect garden of delight, the golden day so young, the rich scent of the May wafted in by the lazily moving air, the voluptuous couch, the freedom from care? A feeling produced by such causes could not be naughty. If only the lovely being at my side had been my wife! As she had taught me that then only could she allow me what I instinctively felt was necessary to existence and could alone crown my felicity!

"What are you thinking of, Julian!"

"I was wishing you were my wife-how happy married people must be."

"Your wife-you naughty boy, I know what you mean. I shall put you down there and punish your naughty mouth, unless you take care!"

"Oh, do, Mademoiselle! Oh, do."

"Or do what I did to you on the couch?" she suggested, half reclining upon me.

"Yes, yes."

"Or would you like to lie in my lap better?"

"Oh! Mademoiselle, yes, yes."

"Which?"

"The last."

"Push that table a little further away. Let me arrange the pillow-now," opening her arms, "lie between my legs, you goose; down on my breast, so. No, no; you must not remove my nightdress; whatever are you dreaming of?"

"Oh Mademoiselle, only once, only for a moment, just Once."

"Do you mean to say you could restrain yourself now as you did last night, and with me?" said Mademoiselle, half in doubt. "No, I see you can't. Come," putting her arms round me, "lie down outside as I told you, and don't tantalise me."

But I saw I had some faint advantage, some chance now if ever, and was not going to throw it away without an attempt at obtaining what I wanted. So I hugged her close and excited her without adopting the position she indicated, leaving in her full view what I knew she must be aware would give her the enjoyment she desired, for had she not confessed that she was naughty, and said that I was tantalising her?

I coaxed her to let me put it against her, only just once; just to put it in a very little way, promising on my honour to do no more. I saw what a struggle she had to refuse, and wondered what on earth the motive could be, which was strong and powerful enough to make her hesitate. She did not reply. She drew me to her waist, leaving only just enough to cover the entrance, twined her legs round mine, and clasped her arms round my back. Then looking lovingly into my eyes, she hugged me closely, moving up and down, and exciting corresponding movements in me.