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.