Book Two The Woman - Chapter 28 In Which I Come to a Determination

As I walked through the fresh, green world there ensued within me
the following dispute, as it were, between myself and two voices;
and the first voice I will call Pro, and the other Contra.

MYSELF. May the devil take that "Gabbing Dick"!

PRO. He probably will.

MYSELF. Had he not told me of what he saw--of the man who looked
at my Virgil--over her shoulder-PRO. Or had you not listened.

MYSELF. Ah, yes!--but then, I did listen, and that he spoke the
truth is beyond all doubt; the misplaced Virgil proves that.
However, it is certain, yes, very certain, that I can remain no
longer in the Hollow.

CONTRA. Well, there is excellent accommodation at "The Bull."

PRO. And, pray, why leave the Hollow?

MYSELF. Because she is a woman-PRO. And you love her!

MYSELF. To my sorrow.

PRO. Well, but woman was made for man, Peter, and man for
woman--!

MYSELF (sternly). Enough of that--I must go!

PRO. Being full of bitter jealousy.

MYSELF. No!

PRO. Being a mad, jealous fool-MYSELF. As you will.

PRO. --who has condemned her unheard--with no chance of
justification.

MYSELF. To-morrow, at the very latest, I shall seek some other
habitation.

PRO. Has she the look of guilt?

MYSELF. No; but then women are deceitful by nature, and very
skilful in disguising their faults--at least so I have read in my
books-PRO (contemptuously). Books! Books! Books!

MYSELF (shortly). No matter; I have decided.