For my life had worked itself out along one set groove, deep and narrow.

I was in the rut.

I had done those things which came to my hand and done them well; but the time was past; I could not turn my hand anew.

I, who am strong and dominant, who have played large with destiny, who could buy body and soul a thousand painters and versifiers, was baffled by a few paltry cents' worth of printed paper!" He spilled her hair for a moment's silence.
"To come back.

I had attempted the impossible, gambled against the inevitable.