Can't you understand how a man may want to stand by a woman for herself alone without dragging in his own selfishness and--No, I forgot--you cannot understand--you never held a woman in your arms--you do not realize her many weaknesses, her childishness, her whims, her helplessness.

But take her back?
NEVER! That chapter in my life is dosed.

My hunt for her all these months has been to save her from herself and from the scoundrel who has ruined her.

When that is done I shall pick up my life as best I can, but not with her." For some seconds the priest did not speak.

Then he said gently, again avoiding any disagreement.