The Lion and the Sun – Chapter 8 – Part 1 (The British Lion) – Cont’d.

     Maung Ba could not conceal his interest in Rose. To him, she represented the real woman from whom any reasonably intelligent man could extract the true essence of that unique quality present in womanhood.  He realized that he had been, until now, confined within the cocoon of his traditional upbringing, preventing him from perceiving the vast horizon of life that embraces, not only the spiritual, but also the physical.  What he started to see in her character was a reflection of his own observation of beauty, for she was not only beautiful, but also accomplished.   He began wondering whether he had fallen in love, or merely carried away by infatuation.  Whatever it was, there was no doubt that it was a feeling that he had not felt in the past.   He was grateful to Virginia for having introduced him to her and appreciative of Tan’s friendship.

    Virginia and Tan kept observing the interest Rose and Maung Ba were showing in each other.  “Watch those love birds, Tan,” Virginia said, when they visited her again. “They seem to have a lot in common .”

     ”They sure do,” Tan agreed.

     Shortly before leaving Virginia’s apartment, Maung Ba asked Rose if she would be interested in watching a movie, the following weekend.

    “Sure,” she replied.  Her willingness seemed to convey the message that she was beginning to understand how he feels towards her.  By now, she  was confident that he was exhibiting his interest in her without the slightest inhibition and was ready to respond freely to his amorous advances.