Evelyn was silent a little.
“Yet he was the happiest man I ever saw,” he said. “I used to feel like a convict in chains beside him. What does it all mean? Have we all got to suffer in proportion——”
Again he broke off.
“And Philip is coming here?” he asked. Then his voice got suddenly shriller and more staccato. “I won’t see him!” he cried. “He has come to gloat over me. My God, is it not enough——”
Madge laid her two hands on his chest, pressing him gently down again.
“No, my darling,” she said, “he will not come for that.”
“Well, then, to make love to you again,” he cried. “He knows I am a cripple, a blind man, a blot on the earth!”
Madge gave a great sigh.
“Ah, why say things you don’t mean?” she said. “And why make those dagger-thrusts at me, that cannot touch me? No, don’t go on. Be silent, dear, or else beg my pardon, and his. I am sorry I should have to ask that, but you have said what is abominable! Oh, I don’t want words. Just nod your head, my darling, and that will mean it is said. But for the sake of love, I must have that token.”
“Why does he come here, then?” he asked.