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capabilities grim their reflections on the endless consequences of one imprudent step!
The various aspects of leisurely repentance formed in the year 1857 a main theme in the mental existence of Mr. George Kerr, who was then aged twenty-three.
Arrived at the green door of his little house in Mayfair, he paused a moment in disheartened and bitter cogitation. No doubt she was lying in wait for him up-stairs, preparing a scene in punishment for their last quarrel.... No peace for him, night or day! Was it astonishing that he was sick sick to death of all this?
He turned the key in the door, and let himself in with a muttered curse on his unhappy home. Contrary to orders, when all had retired except himself, the lights were still blazing in the hall; on the other hand, the lamp had burned itself out in his smoking-room, and filled it with nauseating darkness. His savage pull at the bell brought the sleepy footman tumbling up-stairs before his eyes were well opened.
"Why are you not in bed why is there a light in the hall?"
"Mrs. Kerr has not yet come in," said the man in injured tones.
"Not come in...?"
There was a lengthy silence.
"You can go to bed," said George at last, with forced calmness. "First take that lamp away, and light the candles. I shall wait up for your mistress."
There had been nothing very particular about the day just elapsed. It had only differed in details from that of almost every day since chill disillusion had first entered into George Kerr's mad paradise so few weeks after the irrevocable deed had been sealed but it was destined to have far-reaching consequences.
From the very morning, as the youthful husband sat to a cold, ill-served, solitary breakfast the mistress of the house as usual sleeping late in the day after the worldly exertions of the night the sense of his injuries had been strong upon him.
Only a year ago, at that very hour, he was standing beside his bride in the solemn Cathedra