"Oh, not quite as bad as that!"

"What difference? I had surrendered completely and forgotten my
vows, my religion, every principle that has guided my life. If--if--
circumstances had been different that would not have been the end. I
am a bad wicked woman."

"Oh, no, you are not. You are a terribly good one. If you were not
you would take your life in your hands and make it over."

He did not dare mention the word divorce, and lest it travel from
his mind to hers and cause his immediate repudiation, he added hastily:

"You were immortal for a moment and it should be your glory, not a
whip to scourge you. The time will come when you will remember it
with gratitude and without a blush. You know now what you could be
and feel. If we part at least you will have been saved from the
complete aridity--"

"Part?" She looked at him for the first time, and although she had
believed she never could look at him again without turning scarlet,
there was only terror in her eyes.

"I have been afraid of banishment."

"It was my fault as much as yours."

"I am not so sure. We won't argue that point. Is anything perfect
arguable? But if I am to stay in San Francisco I must see you."