Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. III, 1889.djvu/115

 in her merely directions of a native force which was at all times in revolt against circumstance. Characters thus moulded may go far in achievement, but can never pass beyond the bounds of suffering. Never is the world their friend, nor the world’s law. As often as our conventions give us the opportunity, we crush them out of being; they are noxious; they threaten the frame of society. Oftenest the crushing is done in such a way that the hapless creatures seem to have brought about their own destruction. Let us congratulate ourselves; in one way or other it is assured that they shall not trouble us long.

Her father was somewhat later than usual in returning from work. When he entered her room she looked at him anxiously, and as he seemed to have nothing particular to say, she asked if he had seen Mr. Kirkwood.

“No, my dear, I ain’t seen him.”

Their eyes met for an instant. Clara was in anguish at the thought that another night and day must pass and nothing be altered.

“When did you see him last? A week or more ago, wasn’t it?”

“About that.”