`` Thank you . '' `` Do n't laugh . It 's too serious . '' `` That 's just my point . It IS serious . Here is a man who is a helpless burden . He may be restored to reason and usefulness -- '' `` He was so very useful before , '' interjected Anne witheringly . `` He may be given a chance to make good and redeem the past . His wife does n't know this . I do . It is therefore my duty to tell her that there is such a possibility . That , boiled down , is my decision . '' `` Do n't say ` decision ' yet , Gilbert . Consult somebody else . Ask Captain Jim what he thinks about it . '' `` Very well . But I 'll not promise to abide by his opinion , Anne . `` This is something a man must decide for himself . My conscience would never be easy if I kept silent on the subject . '' `` Oh , your conscience ! ''
moaned XXXXX .
Anne Gilbert Jim chance conscience decision laugh point somebody wife