It was no
longer a dream. It was nightmare.
He wondered why he had yielded to Nan's entreaty. It all seemed so
purposeless now in the broad light of day. He could force himself to
live with his wife--under the same roof. Perhaps in time he could even
meet her in daily intercourse. She might even become a factor in the
great work of the Obar. But the joy of achievement had been snatched
from him. All that he had foreseen might be achieved in the work, even.
But the process would have been completely robbed of its inspiration, and
was therefore not to be counted worth while.
The thought of the woman's regard for him left him cold. He dwelt upon
it. Suddenly he wondered. Two days ago he could not have thought of it
without a thrill. Now it meant--nothing. He remembered Nan's appeal.
Why--why had it affected him last night? It had not been because
of--Evie.
Nan had talked of justice--duty. He could see no appeal in either now.
Why should he be forced to observance of the laws of justice, or--duty
toward a woman who----?
He stirred restlessly.
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