In the city even the narrowest are compelled to at least an occasional glimpse of wider horizons; but in the small town only the vigilant and resolute ever get so much as a momentary point of view.

She told herself, in angry attempt at self-excuse, that he ought to take her in hand, ought to snatch her away from that which she had not the courage to give up of herself.

Yet she knew she would hate him should he try to do it.

She assumed that was the reason he didn't; and it was part of the reason, but a lesser part than his unacknowledged, furtive fear of what he might discover as to his own feelings toward her, were there just then a casting up and balancing of their confused accounts with each other.
Both were relieved, as at a crisis postponed, when it became necessary for him to go abroad again immediately.

"I don't see how _you_ can leave," said he, thus intentionally sparing her a painful effort in saying what at once came into the mind of each.
"We could cable Mrs.Dorsey," she suggested lamely.