Sometimes she had met him with the anger he deserved, but as a rule she had shown a patience that troubled him now.
Then there was Helen, who had borne slander and estrangement from her husband for his sake.

Both had made costly sacrifices, of which he was unworthy; but it was unthinkable that the sacrifices should be made in vain.
Perhaps it was his imagination, or the proximity of relief, but the physical torment he suffered got worse.

He could not sit straight, and leaned forward, with head bent and hands grasping the sides of his chair, until he looked at his watch.

Ten minutes had gone, but he must hold out for twenty minutes more.

Fumbling awkwardly in his pocket, he got his tobacco pouch.