Julian understood
perfectly well the full significance of the scheme, for all
Waymark's kind endeavour to put a hopeful and commonplace aspect on
his proposal. He resisted as long as his strength would allow, then
put himself in his friend's hands.
It was some time before Julian could set his mind at rest with
regard to the desertion of his wife. Though no one capable of
judging the situation could have cast upon him a shadow of blame,
the first experience of peace mingled itself in his mind with
self-reproach. Waymark showed him how utterly baseless any such
feeling was. Harriet had proved herself unworthy of a moment's
consideration, and it was certain that, as long as she received her
weekly remittance--paid through an agent in London,--she would
trouble herself very little about the rest; or, at all events, any
feeling that might possess her would be wholly undeserving of
respect. Gradually Julian accustomed himself to this thought.
They were in the Isle of Wight; comfortably housed, with the sea
before their eyes, and the boon of sunshine which Casti had so
longed for.
Waymark gave himself wholly to the invalid. He had no impulse to
resume literary work; anything was welcome which enabled him to fill
up the day and reach the morrow.
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