“I claim no virtue. You knew it already. I’m merely attempting to simplify—to aid the coming of the light.”
For the second time out of the shadow came the girl’s face, her whole figure. “Darley Roberts,” asked a voice, “are you human, or aren’t you? I don’t believe another man in the world would, under like circumstances, do as you have done by Steve Armstrong. I can’t believe you human merely.”
The man smiled oddly; the look passed.
“I have merely played the game fair,” he explained dispassionately, “or tried to, according to my standard. Like yourself, I don’t want to hate myself in the future, whatever comes. The hate of others—I’m indifferent to that, Elice.”
“And still you love me.”
“I shall never care for another, never. The time when I could, if it ever existed, is past.” 295
The white hands dropped helplessly into the girl’s lap.
“I thought I understood you,” she said, “and yet, after all—”
“We live but once,” gently. “I wish you to be happy, the happiest possible. Does that help?”
“Yes, but—” In a panic the face, the hands, retreated back into the shadow again. “Oh, I’m afraid of you once more, afraid of you,” she completed.