n expression of the soul's
life, touched him with a sense of deepest pathos. It revolted him to
think of her in connection with those brutalities of the newspaper; he
had a movement of rebellion against the undiscerning rigour of social
rule. Disinterested absolutely, but he averted his face lest she should
have a suspicion of what he thought.

In spite of that, he was greatly relieved to hear her purpose. He had
feared other things. It was hateful that she should remain the wife of
such a man as Elgar, but what refuge was open to her? The law that
demands sacrifice of the noble few on behalf of the ignoble many is too
swift and sure in avenging itself when defied. It was well that she had
constrained herself to accept the inevitable.

"You will write this evening to Mrs. Lessingham?" he said, in a tone of
assuredness.

"Why do you wish me to do that?" she asked, looking at him.

"Because of the possibility of your still being left alone. You are not
able to bear that."

"Yes, I can bear anything that is necessary now," she answered firmly.
"If it was weakness to come here and say what I have said, then my
weakness is over. Mrs. Lessingham is enjoying herself with friends; why
should I disturb her? What have I to say to her, or to any one?"

"Suppose an indefinite time goes by, and you are still alone?"

"In that case, I shall be able to arrange my life as other such women
do. I shall find occupation, the one thing I greatly need. My gravest
misfortune is, that I feel the ability to do something, but do not know
what. Since the death of my child, that is what has weighed upon me
most."

Mallard reflected upon this. He could easily understand its truth. He
felt assured that Miriam suffered in much the same way, having reached
the same result by so very different a process of development. But it
was equally clear to him that neither of these women really could _do_
anything; it was not their function to do, but to _be_. Eleanor Spence
would in all likelihood have illustrated the same unhappy problem had
it been her lot to struggle against adverse conditions; she lived the
natural life of an educated woman, and therefore was beset by no
questionings as to he? capacities and duties. So long, however, as the
educated woman is the exceptional woman, of course it will likewise be
exceptional for her life to direct itself in a calm course.

To discuss such questions with Cecily was impossible. How should he say
to he