I have lived years since I have been here, and I am glad of a rest." He was silent for a space; then again abruptly he returned to the charge.

"You're not going to waste all the best of your life over a memory, are you?
The finest man in the world isn't worth that." She felt the colour rise in her face as she made reply.

"I hope I am not going to waste my life at all.

Is it a waste not to spend it in a feverish round of social pleasures?
If so, I do not think you are in a position to condemn me." She saw his brief smile for an instant.

"My life is occupied with other things," he said.