Page:Dr Adriaan (1918).djvu/308

302 "And now?"

"Now I know better . . . for you."

"For me?"

"Yes, now I know, Tilly . . . that it is better for you . . . that I should leave you . . ."

"For good?"

"Perhaps. Perhaps for a long time . . . only . . ."

"And the children? Won't you be longing for them?"

It was more than he could bear; and he said nothing, only nodded yes. Then he said:

"But they will be all right . . . with you, Tilly."

It was more than she could bear either. She fell into a chair, sobbing.

"Don't be unhappy, Tilly," he said. "We must make a change. If we remain as we are, we shall end by hating each other. . . . Don't be unhappy about parting . . . when you reflect . . . that it is really out of the question for us to remain together."

"You are right," she said, coldly. "So . . ."

"You will stay here. You will live here. That is, if you like."

"And you?"

"I? I shall go home."

She felt her jealousy of all of them, out there:

"Yes," he said, gently.

"If you don't love me," she burst out, "they will not need to console you long."

"I shall feel regret . . . because I have spoilt your life . . . and because I sha'n't see the children any more."

"Spoilt my life?" she said, proudly. "You have not done that."

He did not answer.