It would have been
inexcusable in you to have stayed any longer where you were. For a
liaison of that kind is only conceivable when the man loves the
woman very deeply. You, my friend, did not love the lady at all. If
you have any doubts about it in your own mind, you may take my word
for it--had you loved her, you would not have parted from her. You
would, if necessary, have carried her off from Paris, and continued
to live with her in some world-forgotten spot, as you did at St.
Valery. Or you would have gone off to the Philippines, and fought
her husband to the death, in order to gain free possession of her or
die in the attempt. That is how love acts when it is of that
elemental force which alone can justify such relations before the
higher natural tribunal of morality. But if your love is not strong
enough to prompt you to do these things, then it is immoral, and
must be shaken off."
Wilhelm was still unconvinced.
"I surely owe her gratitude for having loved me? That imposes
certain duties upon me; I have no right to break a heart which gave
itself wholly to me."
"Your idea has a specious air of generosity," answered Schrotter
firmly, "but in reality it is morbid and weak. Love accepts no alms.
One gives oneself wholly or not at all.
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