for plato
Select the correct text in the passage.

Which detail best shapes Thornton's dedication to and fondness for Buck?

(7) Thornton knelt down by Buck's side. [He took his head into his two hands and rested cheek on cheek]. He did not playfully shake him, as he was wont, or murmur soft love curses; but he whispered in his ear. "As you love me, Buck. As you love me," was what he whispered.[ Buck whined with suppressed eagerness.] (8) The crowd was watching curiously. The affair was growing mysterious. It seemed like a conjuration. [As Thornton got to his feet, Buck seized his mittened hand between his jaws,] pressing in with his teeth and releasing slowly, half-reluctantly. [ It was the answer, in terms, not of speech, but of love.] Thornton stepped well back.