relentless feet. This I knew with my brain, while tradition, inclination,
and longing called me--fool! Well, I was given strength to follow my
head; but every year has been a struggle. I found that to be different
meant contempt often, misunderstanding always. Sometimes it has not
seemed worth while; the victories were so lonely and useless; but I
thanked God last night, when I saw your face as you danced, that I could
offer you a love that need not make the pitiful plea for mercy from your
love. Through temptation and the long fight it has always seemed to me
that no man should ask for pure love without the equivalent to offer in
return.

"Can you understand when I say that this battle of mine has brought me
closer to men and women, with no bitterness in my heart; has left me
free, not to despise them, but to help them?"

"Yes, oh, yes; all my life I could understand those who--fight. I, too,
have fought and fought."

Travers's hand was pressing upward the head against his knee so that he
could look in the uplifted eyes.

"My love! as free man and woman, let us give ourselves to each other!"

Then he bent and kissed the smiling mouth.

"Speak to me, my--wife."

"Yes! But let me think, dear heart. I must speak; the half has only been
told." She moved a bit away from him. Travers let her go with no fear.