“You must,” she answered, “I believe in you—come back—fight it—win.”
But he shook his head very slowly, very sadly.
“No; I'm not the kind of man to do a thing like that. I 've had my spirit broken—this place has broken it.”
“No; it is not. I know it is not. Here's your chance—take it.”
“All these years,” he answered grimly, “twenty years—it's a long time for a man. I can't begin all over again.”
“Twenty years are nothing. You 've never seen things straight as you see things now—It 's never been the same before.”
He turned round and stared fiercely into her eyes.
“Do you believe I could do it?” he said.
“Of course I do.”
“Win back respect—make them forget yesterday—go on with the old torture—” he shuddered and buried his face in his hands.