After several centuries it came to him, easily, without effort, that it was Maria.

With a great relief he turned his soul to the screen of torment under his lids.

He had solved the problem; now he could rest.

But no, the "$2.50" faded away, and in its place burned "$8.00." Who was that?
He must go the dreary round of his mind again and find out.
How long he was gone on this quest he did not know, but after what seemed an enormous lapse of time, he was called back to himself by a knock at the door, and by Maria's asking if he was sick.

He replied in a muffled voice he did not recognize, saying that he was merely taking a nap.