either of them were opium-eaters, or dangerous in insane moods. The
relations of Mrs. Grundy have the reputation of the universe on their
hands, and, the task being one so great, they must be pardoned if they
err occasionally.

From the day he was alone, Grant Harlson appeared himself again, and I
speak knowingly, for I was with him then. His old self seemed then
restored. The buoyancy of boyhood was his as it had never been to me
since we were young together. It matters not what a chance,--this is a
land where all men drift about,--but I was in the city near him now,
and the old relationship was resumed. We rioted in the past of the
country, and we visited it together. As time went on, Harlson seemed
to forget that he was, or ever had been, a married man, and eventually
the woman found other things in life than awaiting old age without
social potency, and suggested, from a distance, that the separation be
completed. Perhaps there was another man. I know that Harlson did not
hesitate. He responded carelessly, and then reverted to things
practical.

The reflection came that the mismated in this present age must
ordinarily bear the burden to the end. Collusion, which in such case
is but a term for a mutual business agreement, is not allowable. The
social problem is a puzzle the solution of which is left to those whose
ideas were given to them stereotyped. The separation was delayed, but
was, vaguely, a thing possible. And Harlson laughed and threw out his
arms, and made friends of many women.

They were the variety of his life, which else was a hard-working one.
He was not a saint nor a deliberate sinner. He but drifted again.