"Valerie's mind is her own, Kelly. It is the most honest mind I have ever known; and nothing on earth—no pain that her decision might inflict upon her—would swerve it a hair's breath from what she concludes is the right thing to do."
"I know it," he said, swallowing a sudden throb of fear.
"Then what can I say to you?"
"Nothing. I must wait."
"Kelly, if you loved her enough you would not even wait."
"What!"
"Because her return to you will mean only one thing. Are you going to accept it of her?"
"What can I do? I can't live without her!"
"Her problem is nobler, Kelly. She is asking herself not whether she can live life through without you—but whether you can live life well, and to the full, without her?"
Neville flushed painfully.