That's natural enough.

I've always been rotted all my life.
I used to think it was because people didn't understand me--now I know that it really is because I am an ass." Strangely, suddenly, some of the burden that bad been upon Olva now for so long was lifted.

The atmosphere of the room that had lain upon him so heavily was lighter--and he seemed to feel the gentle withdrawing of that pursuit that now, ever, night and day, sounded in his ears.
And what, above all, had happened to him?
He flung his mind back to a month ago.

With what scorn then would he have glanced at Bunning's ugly body--with what impatience have listened to his pitiful confessions.

Now he said gently-- "Tell me about yourself." Bunning gulped and gripped the baggy knees of his trousers.
"I'm very unhappy," he said at last desperately--"very.