He could do nothing.

He could suggest nothing save that he should follow her about like a sympathetic spaniel.

It was maddening.

He walked to the window and looked out into the unexhilarating street, all that was man in him in revolt against his ineffectuality.
Suddenly came the flash of inspiration, swift, illuminating, such as happened sometimes when the idea of a world-upsetting invention burst upon him with bewildering clearness; but this time more radiant, more intense than he had ever known before; it was almost an ecstasy.

He passed both hands feverishly through his hair till it could stand no higher.
"I have it!" he cried; and Archimedes could not have uttered his famous word with a greater thrill.
"Emmy, I have it!" He stood before her gibbering with inspiration.