Nora heard the door open and raised her head.

On the threshold stood Stephen, transformed, rejuvenated, the lover shining out of his eyes, the look in his face for which she had prayed.

He came towards her, speechless save for one little cry that ended like a sob in his throat, took her into his arms tenderly but fiercely, held her to him while the unsuspected passion of his lips brought paradise into the room.
"You care ?" she faltered.

"This is not pity ?" He held her to him till she almost swooned.

The restraint of so many years was broken down.
"Must I, after all, be the teacher ?" he asked passionately, as their lips met again.