And even a love that can never be satisfied is better than life without love.
It may bring its moments of unbearable agony, but it is still love--the most beautiful and glorious thing in the world.

And the pain of knowing that a great gulf is for ever set between two who love is a penalty that real love can face and triumph over.
But now the whole situation was altered.

Unmistakably Maryon Rooke still meant a good deal to Nan, although Peter felt a certain consciousness that if he were to pit himself against Rooke he could probably make the latter's position very insecure.

But was it fair?
Was it fair to take advantage of the quick responsiveness of Nan's emotions--that sensitiveness which gave reply as readily as a violin to the bow?
She was not a woman to find happiness very easily, and he himself had nothing to offer her except a love that must always be forbidden, unconsummated.

In God's Name, then, if Maryon Rooke could give her happiness, what right had he to stand in the way?
By the time the taxi had brought him to the door of Kitty's house, his decision was taken.