Then the two figures stood up, marvellously alike in strength and
beauty, yet absolutely different in expression and bearing, the
one serene and benignant, the other fierce and threatening. The
quiet one was still pleading, with a hand laid upon the other's
shoulder. But he shook it off, and thrust his companion away with
a proud, impatient gesture.

At last I heard him speak.

"I have done with you," he cried. "I do not believe in you. I have
no more need of you. I renounce you. I will live without you. Away
forever out of my life!"

At this a look of ineffable sorrow and pity came upon the great
companion's face.

"You are free," he answered. "I have only besought you, never
constrained you. Since you will have it so, I must leave you, now,
to yourself."

He rose into the air, still looking downward with wise eyes full
of grief and warning, until he vanished in silence beyond the thin
clouds.

The other did not look up, but lifting his head with a defiant
laugh, shook his shoulders as if they were free of a burden. He
strode swiftly around the corner of the cathedral and disappeared
among the deep shadows.