"I should not care to exile myself to South America. I am not fit for that sort of life."
"Well?"
"There is the other alternative," said Guido, with a tuneless little laugh. "When life is intolerable, what can be simpler than to part with it?"
Lamberti's strong hand was already on his friend's arm, and tightened energetically.
"Do you believe in God?" he asked abruptly.
"No. At least, I think not."
"I do," said Lamberti, with conviction, "and I shall not let you make away with yourself if I can help it."
He loosed his hold, thrust his hands into his pockets, and looked as if he wished he could fight somebody or something.
"A man who kills himself to escape his troubles is a coward," he said.
Guido made a gesture of indifference.