He was conscious only of an utter, hopeless void.

He had removed all to make room for Claudia, and Claudia refused to fill the vacant place.

With all the will in the world she could not have filled it; but no such thought as this came to console Stafford.

He saw his joy, but was forbidden to reach out his hand and pluck it.

His life lay in the hollow of her hand, to grant or withhold, and she had closed her grasp upon it.
He did not rest until he reached his hotel, for he felt a longing to be able to sit down quietly and think it all over.