I'm learning, you see--learning not to lie to myself or to you....

Learning other things, too--God knows what--if this is love--this utter--suffering--" He swung on his heel and began to pace the glimmering tiles toward her: "Discontent, apathy, unhappiness, loneliness--the hidden ache which merely meant I missed you when you were not here--when I was not beside you--all these are now explained before your bed of justice.

Your court has heard the truth to-night; and you, Valerie, are armed with justice--the high, the middle, and the low." Pale, mute, she raised her dark eyes and met his gaze.
In the throbbing silence he heard his heart heavy in his breast; and now she heard her own, rapid, terrifying her, hurrying her she knew not whither.

And again, trembling, she covered her eyes with her hands.
"Valerie," he said, in anguish, "come back to me.

I will not ask you to love me if you cannot.