I kept silence for a little while,thinking of what Stroeve had told me.I could not stomach his weakness,and he saw my disapproval.

　　‘You know as well as I do how Strickland lived’,he said tremulously,‘I couldnt let her live in those circumstances－I simply couldnt.’

　　‘Thats your business,’I answered.

　　‘What would you have done?’he asked.

　　‘She went with her eyes open.If she had to put up with certain inconveniences it was her own lookout.’

　　‘Yes;but,you see,you dont love her.’

　　‘Do you love her still?’

　　‘Oh,more than ever.Strickland isnt the man to make a woman happy.It cant last.I want her to know that I shall never fail her.’

　　‘Does that mean that youre prepared to take her back?’

　　‘I shouldnt hesitate.Why,shell want me more than ever then.When shes alone and humiliated and broken it would be dreadful if she had nowhere to go.’

　　He seemed to bear no resentment.I suppose it was commonplace in me that I felt slightly outraged at his lack of spirit.Perhaps he guessed what was in my mind,f......