n of love, colouring with
softness and with quiet the manifold life of the city. James looked at
it, his heart swelling with sadness; for with it seemed to die his short
joy, and the shadows lengthening were like the sad facts of reality
which crept into his soul one by one silently.

"I won't go," he cried; "I daren't! Oh, God help me, and give me
strength!"

He turned into the Green Park, where lovers sat entwined upon the
benches, and in the pleasant warmth the idlers and the weary slept upon
the grass. James sank heavily upon a seat, and gave himself over to his
wretchedness.

The night fell, and the lamps upon Piccadilly were lit, and in the
increasing silence the roar of London sounded more intensely. From the
darkness, as if it were the scene of a play, James watched the cabs and
'buses pass rapidly in the light, the endless procession of people like
disembodied souls drifting aimlessly before the wind. It was a comfort
and a relief to sit there unseen, under cover of the night. He observed
the turmoil with a new, disinterested curiosity, feeling strangely as if
he were no longer among the living. He found himself surprised that they
thought it worth while to hurry and to trouble. The couples on the
benches remained in silent ecstasy; and sometimes a dark figure slouched
past, sorrowful and mysterious.

At last James went out, surprised to find it was so late. The theatres
had disgorged their crowds, and Piccadilly was thronged, gay, vivacious,
and insouciant. For a moment there was a certain luxury about its vice;
the harlot gained the pompousness of a Roman courtesan, and the vulgar
debauchee had for a little while the rich, corrupt decadence of art and
splendour.

James turned into Half Moon Street, which now was all deserted and
silent, and walked slowly, with anguish tearing at his heart, towards
the house in which lodged Mrs. Wallace. One window was still lit, and he
wondered whether it was hers; it would have been an exquisite pleasure
if he could but have seen her form pass the drawn blind. Ah, he could
not have mistaken it! Presently the light was put out, and the whole
house was in darkness. He waited on, for no reason--pleased to be near
her. He waited half the night, till he was so tired he could scarcely
drag himself home.

In the morning James was ill and tired, and disillusioned; his head
ached so that he could hardly bear the pain, and in all his limbs he
felt a strange and heavy lassitude