Edna
cried a little that night after Arobin left her. It was only one phase of the
multitudinous emotions which had assailed her. There was with her an
overwhelming feeling of irresponsibility. There was the shock of the unexpected
and the unaccustomed. There was her husband's reproach looking at her from the
external things around her which he had provided for her external existence.
There was Robert's reproach making itself felt by a quicker, fiercer, more
overpowering love, which had awakened within her toward him. Above all, there
was understanding. She felt as if a mist had been lifted from her eyes, enabling
her to look upon and comprehend the significance of life, that monster made up
of beauty and brutality. But among the conflicting sensations which assailed
her, there was neither shame nor remorse. There was a dull pang of regret
because it was not the kiss of love which had inflamed her, because it was not
love which had held this cup of life to her lips.