Why was he torn so, almost bewildered, and unable to move?
Why did his mother sit at home and suffer?
He knew she suffered badly.

But why should she?
And why did he hate Miriam, and feel so cruel towards her, at the thought of his mother.

If Miriam caused his mother suffering, then he hated her--and he easily hated her.

Why did she make him feel as if he were uncertain of himself, insecure, an indefinite thing, as if he had not sufficient sheathing to prevent the night and the space breaking into him?
How he hated her! And then, what a rush of tenderness and humility! Suddenly he plunged on again, running home.

His mother saw on him the marks of some agony, and she said nothing.