The symbolic imagery continues: having laid aside his hat of fanaticism, Charles
looks away from the doctor, who represents cynicism, to the watercolor, a wistful
symbol of his wife and of lost innocence. The imagery enhances his statement that
he is acting for the protection of his wife. In the word "owed" there
are unspoken layers of meaning, suggesting not merely a husband's natural concern
to protect his wife, but the emotional debt that Charles has incurred in their
marriage through his pursuit of material interests.