He realised more than ever, as the throbbing of the music stole into his blood, the loneliness of his life.

And yet it seemed so hopeless.
Supposing he threw up his work and let things take their course?
The bare thought chilled him.

He recognised it as unworthy.

The great song of mortification from the broken hero rang in his ears.

Must every woman bring to every man the curse of Delilah!...
He passed out of the building into the cool, starlit night.