That is a perfectly reasonable reading of the
Laws, which says, What I did as a child I must abide as a woman. It's a
law of Nature, after all's said; and yet it can be contradicted in a
breath. It's one of those everlasting propositions which are true both
ways, positively and negatively; for Nature says, That is my rule, and
immediately after, Break it if you're strong enough. Now, you are, but I
am not."
Once more they looked at each other, these two who had but one desire
between them--and who knew it each of each. And again it was he who broke
away.
"I'm a coward, I'm false to my own belief. It's love that makes me so. Oh,
Heaven, I see so well what it would be! And it would be right, mind you.
These laws of Society are nothing, absolutely nothing. But you are
pleased, for reasons, to submit. You are deliberate, you are strong. It's
the old thing over again. Hideous, vile, abominable servitude! But you are
pleased to do it. You say it is Destiny, and you may be right. I tell you
once more, I dare not say a word against it."
"No, no," she said hastily; "don't say anything to stop me. I must go on
with it. I have promised. He knows I don't love him, and he doesn't care.
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