But because of this, could she not even for a little while know the joy which was every woman’s birthright?
If she were willing to pay for it, why not? Whatever happened, whatever misery was in store, at least she paid alone. She involved no one in her debt.
A cynic might have smiled at the simplicity of her reasoning. Not one thought of her changed circumstances entered into her reflections. She did not consider that Anne Page the penniless companion was a very different being from Anne Page the lady of great means. To her mind it only affected the situation in so far that it gave her freedom; made it possible for her to follow her own course without burdening man, woman, or child. It was only courage that was necessary. Courage to stake high, and not to shrink when sooner or later the odds should turn against her.
She measured her strength, and made her decision.
The little clock on the mantelpiece struck three, with a shrill silvery clamour. Anne started, and glanced round the familiar room with a shock of surprise, as though she had been long away, and was astonished to find it there.
As she rose slowly to her feet, her reflection in the glass above the chimney-piece also startled her.
It seemed to her that for ages she had been out of the body also.
She met absorbed blue eyes in a face pale but transfigured by an inner excitement and a great hope.
She saw a mouth sweet and tremulous, and a tall figure; very graceful, really beautiful; and suddenly she smiled.
“It’s not absurd. Not yet,” was the certainty that suddenly filled her with triumphant joy.