Quicksand
ing ones, she was able to forgive him. Also, it was as if in this understanding and forgiving she had come upon knowledge of almost sacred importance.
Without demur, opposition, or recrimination Herr and Fru Dahl accepted Helga‘s decision to go back to America. She had expected that they would be glad and relieved. It was agreeable to discover that she had done them less than justice. They were, in spite of their extreme worldliness, very fond of her, and would, as they declared, miss her greatly. And they did want her to come back to them, as they repeatedly insisted. Secretly they felt as she did, that perhaps when she returned—So it was agreed upon that it was only for a brief visit, “for your friend‘s wedding,” and that she was to return in the early fall.
The last day came. The last good-byes were said. Helga began to regret that she was leaving. Why couldn‘t she have two lives, or why couldn‘t she be satisfied in one place?
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