“It is too late already; my work has refashioned my life. I am desperately restless except when doing something that counts; something visible; and doing it intensely. I’ll never”––his voice was bitter with regret––“never conform––now.”
The girl answered, almost unconsciously.
“I think you can,” she hesitated, “and will.”
For a long, long moment they searched each other’s eyes.
“And this price you are paying,” said the girl at last, “is it worth it?”
The man drew a long breath.
“Ah, I wonder! To-night doubt has undermined my resolution.”
“If you question yourself so seriously,” she said very softly, “then surely you can find but one answer.”
“Again I wonder. I have wondered and––and hoped––God help me!––since the moment I looked into your eyes.”
Suddenly he was out of his chair and coming 417 toward her. Her heart leaped, her eyes shone; she extended her hands in welcome.