And who
was I that she should love me instead of him? All the years I had
known him I had known but little of him. God only knows the hearts of
these men who rove or drift, who, anchorless and rudderless, beat upon
the ragged reels of life till the breath leaves them and they pass
through the mystic channel into the serene harbor of eternity. A
sudden wave of dissatisfaction swept over me. What had I done in the
world to merit attention? What had I done that I, and not he, should
know the love of woman? Why should I live to-day and not he? From out
the silence there came no answer; and I continued on. It was life. It
was immutable, and there was no key.
The lights of the inn cheered me and lifted the gloom. Should I enter
by stealth or boldly? I chose the second method. Gretchen and the
innkeeper were in the old hall. I entered and threw my traps into a
corner. As they turned and saw me consternation was written on their
faces.
"I have found you at last," I said, holding out a hand to each of them.
The innkeeper thrust his hands behind his back and sauntered leisurely
toward the window.
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