After all, happiness is the essential.

You said so once.

I am happier here than I possibly could be in an isolation where I might perhaps study--learn--" Her voice broke deliciously as he met her gaze in cool, curious disapproval.
[Illustration: "For a long while she sat, her cheek resting on one palm, looking fixedly into space."] "You _can't_ understand it!" she said, flushing almost fiercely.

"You can't comprehend what the daily intimacy with a man of your sort has done--is doing for me every moment of my life.

How can you understand?
You, who have your own place in the world--in life--in this country--in this city! You, who have family, friends, clubs, your social life in city and country, and abroad.