He gazed up at the enormous sky. Forty years it had taken him to learn what kind of smile was hidden behind the cold, dark clouds. O cruel, needless misunderstanding! O stubborn, self-willed exile from the loving, freezing breast! Two gin-scented tears trickled down the sides of his nose. But it was all right, everything was all right, the struggle was finished. He had won the victory over himself. He loved Big Winter.