He was able to read a face pretty thoroughly and he saw very quickly that Joe was still greatly troubled in his mind.
He had gotten rid of one burden, but another had come in its stead.
What could it mean?
There was little need for Eric to ask that.
He knew, beyond all doubt, that the old suspicions had arisen again in Joe’s mind, perhaps strengthened by some circumstance.
Finally Joe leaned back in his chair and looked at his visitor.
“Eric, for a short time last night I was really and truly happy—it seemed to me that the clouds had all rolled by. Then, by a strange circumstance, they were brought forward again and now I am worse off than ever.”
“That is too bad—I am sorry for it.”
“Before, it was my foolish habit that gave me sorrow—now it is a dreadful thought that I endeavor to banish from my mind, but which rises up again and again in all its hideous deformity until I almost feel as though I am mad.
“Still I keep my thoughts clear, for I know that this awful question must be grappled with, and fought to the death.