To-morrow I'll drive to Salerno, take the train to Naples, pack my traps, and relieve Miriam's mind by an assurance that I'm going to work in your company; then at once come back here." "I don't see the need of going to Naples.

Write a letter.

Here's paper; here's pen and ink." Elgar was again mute.

His companion, in an access of intolerable suffering, cried out vehemently: "Can't you see into yourself far enough to know that you are paltering with necessity?
Are you such a feeble creature that you must be at the mercy of every childish whim, and ruin yourself for lack of courage to do what you know you ought to do?
If instability of nature had made such work of me as it has of you, I'd cut my throat just to prove that I could at least once make my hand obey my will!" "It would be but the final proof of weakness," replied Elgar, laughing.
"Or, to be more serious, what would it prove either one way or the other?
If you cut your throat, it was your destiny to do so; just as it was to commit the follies that led you there.

What is all this nonsense about weak men and strong men?
I act as I am bound to act; I refrain as I am bound to refrain.