In this wordless exchange (which shows that Charles Gould is not an unfeeling
character), the conditions for the Goulds' continued marriage are laid down in
the face of their recognized differences. Charles' gesture indicates that he requires
her for his ideal (seizing her hands), and is grateful for her participation (the
kiss). Emily's approach to the marriage, however, is to pull one hand free ("disengage"
has a marital overtone) in order to express sympathy, i.e., continue her altruistic
interests. At that he stands up, rejecting sympathy for himself, perhaps conscientious
of his secret dynamite but at any rate relegating her altruism to a solitary crusade.
(See "leaving her outside" below. )