She let her fingers pass caressingly over it. She regarded it with quite reverent awe. But then all of a sudden the jealousy that had of late been tormenting her soul attacked her with renewed force.
This manuscript was his real love, and she was nothing but a dark, bloodless shadow, who preyed on his nights like a vulture.
"Lock it up again," she said; and she turned despondently to go.
As if the magnum opus was not enough, there was a number of smaller things that kept him drudging. The more his name became known as that of a specialist in literary circles, the more frequently was he asked to contribute articles, and he strove to execute every order he received.
One day it came out what the important post was that he had been offered and had mentioned to her three weeks ago, on their memorable expedition into the country.
"I haven't dared to come to a decision till to-day," he said. "But now I have made up my mind. The editor of the periodical which I am to sub-edit in future has called on me, and left me no loophole for refusing. I was obliged to say 'Yes.' He is a charming fellow! In spite of his great intellectual ability, a man of almost childlike simplicity ... and so frank, so genial.... You must get to know him--if you don't know him already."
"What's his name?" she asked.
"Dr. Salmoni."
CHAPTER XVIII
No, it was not to come out in this way! Fate was not to lay hands on her quite so rudely and clumsily.