Chapter XXVIII

by Kate Chopin

　　Edna cried a little that night after Arobin left her. It wasonly one phase of the multitudinous emotions which had assailedher. There was with her an overwhelming feeling ofirresponsibility. There was the shock of the unexpected and theunaccustomed. There was her husband's reproach looking at her fromthe external things around her which he had provided for herexternal existence. There was Robert's reproach making itself feltby a quicker, fiercer, more overpowering love, which had awakenedwithin her toward him. Above all, there was understanding. Shefelt as if a mist had been lifted from her eyes, enabling her totook upon and comprehend the significance of life, that monstermade up of beauty and brutality. But among the conflictingsensations which assailed her, there was neither shame nor remorse.There was a dull pang of regret because it was not the kiss of lovewhich had inflamed her, because it was not love which had held thiscup of life to her lips.