"I am relieved to know that I do not inspire the amazement of my colleagues. It is a long while since I have felt calm and senatorial, however. But these are days for alertness of mind, and even the most distracting of women must be shut up in her cupboard and forgotten for a few hours every day."
"I think I rather like that."
"Of course you do. A woman always likes a strong lover. And you have plenty of revenge, if you did but know."
"I know," she said; and as she raised her eyes and looked at him steadily, he believed her.
"Tell me at least that you miss coming to that room—I want to hear you say it."
"Good God!"
Betty caught her breath. But when women feel fire between their fingers and are reckless before the swift approach of a greater wretchedness than that possessing them, they are merciless to themselves and the man.
"Can you stay away?" she whispered. "Can you?"
"It is the one thing I can do."
"Do you realize what you are saying?—that you have put me aside for ever? Are you willing to admit that it is all over? How am I to live on and on and on? Can you fancy me alone next summer in the Adirondacks—"