How we cite our quotes: (Section.Paragraph)
Quote #4
She was a revelation in that dim, mysterious chamber; as white as the couch she lay upon. Her firm, elastic flesh that was knowing for the first time its birthright, was like a creamy lily that the sun invites to contribute its breath and perfume to the undying life of the world. (2.19)
While this line is explicitly telling us about the encounter between Calixta and Alcée, it also implicitly sheds light on Calixta's relationship with Bobinôt. It sounds like he's not exactly rocking her world. Think about it – she's been married for several years and has had a kid. It's not like sex is a new experience for her. Yet it's not until she finally has sex with Alcée during the storm that her body "know[s] for the first time its birthright." In other words, her body finally understands the kind of pleasure it can achieve.
Quote #5
"When he touched her breasts they gave themselves up in quivering ecstasy, inviting his lips. Her mouth was a fountain of delight. And when he possessed her, they seemed to swoon together at the very borderland of life's mystery." (2.21)
Calixta's body seems to be taking on a will of its own here, commanding Alcée to caress it. This passage is the most explicit the story gets, but it still cloaks the sexual intercourse behind figurative language. Instead of describing literal action, the narrator hides behind words like "possess[ion]," "swoon[ing]," and the "borderland of life's mystery." There's a euphemism for sex that you don't hear very often.
Quote #6
He was getting on nicely; and though he missed them, he was willing to bear the separation a while longer – realizing that their health and pleasure were the first things to be considered.(4.1)
It's an understatement for Alcée to say that he's "getting on nicely," considering that he just had awesome sex with the woman who got away. He's not just "getting on nicely," he's totally stoked. Still glowing from his recent encounter, he writes to his wife to tell her there's no rush to come home.