Even in those grim
moments, the man's individualism spoke up to him. He was puzzled
at his own action, He asked himself a question--not, indeed, with
regret, but with something more than curiosity and actual
selfprobing--as though, by concentrating his mind upon his recent
course of action, he would be able to understand the motives
which had influenced him. Why had he chosen to burden himself
with the care of this desperate young woman? Supposing she
lived, what was to become of her? He had acquired a certain
definite responsibility with regard to her future, for whatever
the doctor and his assistant might do, it was his own promptitude
and presence of mind which had given her the first chance of
life. Without a doubt, he had behaved foolishly. Why not vanish
into the crowd and have done with it? What was it to him, after
all, whether this girl lived or died? He had done his duty
-- more than his duty. Why not disappear now and let her take
her chance? His common sense spoke to him loudly; such thoughts
as these beat upon his brain.
Just for once in his life, however, his common sense exercised an
altogether subordinate position. He knew very well, even while
he listened to these voices, that he was only counting the
minutes until he could return. Having absolutely decided that
the only reasonable course left for him to pursue was to return
home and leave the girl to her fate, he found himself back inside
the shop within a quarter of an hour.
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