It was for my damnation, I think.

You see how things are going." He stops abruptly here, as if thinking of something, and she knows and resents the knowledge that his mind has gone back to Tita--resents it, though his thought has been condemnatory of his wife.

Why can't he forget her altogether?
"Yes I meant it for your good," says she, in a whisper.
Her heart is beating wildly.
"You refused me," persists he, in a dull tone.

"That is all I remember.

You refused me--how many times ?" She turns away from him.
"Once too often, at all events," replies she, in a low, wretched voice.
She makes a movement as if to go back to the lighted rooms beyond, but he catches her and compels her to stay with him.
"What do you mean ?" demands he sternly.