"Then why, in the name of the living God, did a man with all your oppressive good qualities come between us? That's a plain question anyway."
A flush spread over Stapledon's cold face and as quickly died out. He did not answer immediately, and the younger spoke again.
"Well? You're the strong man, the powerful, self-contained, admirable lesson to his weak brethren. Can't you answer, or won't you?"
"Don't pour these bitter words upon me. I have done no deliberate wrong at all; I have merely moved unconsciously into a private difficulty from which I am now about to extricate myself."
"That's too hard a saying for me."
"It is true. I have wakened from an error. I have committed a terrible action in ignorance. A blind man, but not so blind as I was, showed me my stupidity."
"Say it in so many words. You love Honor."
"I do. I have grown to love her—the thing farthest from my thoughts or dreams. I cannot help it. I do not excuse it or defend myself. I am doing all in my power."
"Which is——?"
"Going—going not to come back."