He did not look at
him for more than a second, because the sight of Paul's face hurt him.
But he saw in that moment that Paul did not understand. This strong man,
hard in his youthful strength of limb and purpose, would be just, but
nothing more. And between man and man it is not always justice that is
required. Between man and woman justice rarely meets the difficulty.
"Comprendre c'est pardonner," quoted Steinmetz vaguely.
He hesitated to interfere between Paul and his wife. Axioms are made for
crucial moments. A man's life has been steered by a proverb before this.
Some, who have no religion, steer by them all the voyage.
Paul walked slowly to the chair he usually occupied, opposite to
Steinmetz, at the writing-table. He walked and sat down as if he had
travelled a long distance.
"What is to be done?" asked Steinmetz.
"I do not know. I do not think that it matters much. What do you
recommend?"
"There is so much to be done," answered Steinmetz, "that it is difficult
to know what to do first. We must not forget that De Chauxville is
furious. He will do all the harm of which he is capable at once. We must
not forget that the country is in a state of smoldering revolt, and that
we have two women, two English ladies, entrusted to our care."
Paul moved uneasily in his chair. His companion had struck the right
note.
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