And much as he loved Louise Graham, he could not snap that thread; much as he detested Ruth, he lacked the flintiness of heart to let her slip into the abyss.

Nor would Louise have it otherwise.
She was seeking his eyes, questioning them.
"Well, this hour is worth it all to me," he said, calmly.

"All of the unhappiness of the past, and all the loneliness of the future! I am poor now; in that fact lies what hope I have." A gentle inclination of her head answered him.
"I am happy to-night, anyway," said she.
"The only thing for me to do is to remain away from you," he answered.
"Heaven knows I shall be miserable enough then, but I should grow desperate if I were near." "I know.

We mustn't see each other, Lee dear." He walked to where his storm coat and cap lay on a chair by the door.
In silence he drew on and buttoned the former.

She had accompanied him to the spot and watched with moisture on her lashes his preparation for departure.