Leisen's eyes widened slightly.
"Madam, do you know? In my life, I've done many things worth regretting. There are things that keep me awake at night when I remember them. There are things I wish I had never done. But there is one thing I've never regretted." Arthur suddenly turned back and remarked, "I've never regretted standing up when someone needed me."
The light in Leisen's eyes froze.
"You ask me, am I not afraid of losing everything I've painstakingly gained? I tell you, I am afraid, of course, I'm afraid. I'm no saint; I'm just an ordinary person from the street. I know what it's like to lose everything, and I know how difficult it is to start over. I'm terrified! An office, a salary, a position where one can exercise authority at White Hall—these are the things countless people dream of."
Arthur turned around and stood at the window, his back to her, looking out at the endless gray-white fog.
