Chapter 21
MARIE'S SIDE OF ITWe all realize keenly, one time or another, the abject poverty
of language. To attempt putting some emotions into words is like
trying to play Ave Maria on a toy piano. There are heights and
depths utterly beyond the limitation of instrument and speech
alike.
Marie's agonized experience in Alpine—and afterward—was of that
kind. She went there under the lure of her loneliness, her
heart-hunger for Bud. Drunk or sober, loving her still or turning
away in anger, she had to see him; had to hear him speak; had to
tell him a little of what she felt of penitence and longing, for
that is what she believed she had to do. Once she had started, she
could not turn back. Come what might, she would hunt until she
found him. She had to, or go crazy, she told hers
