HER PATH IN THE LIGHT That Wilfrid did not at the last moment leap on shore and follow Emily seemed to him less the result of self-control than obedience to outward restraint; it was as though an actual hand lay on his shoulder and held him back.

He went back to his seat, and again fell into dreaminess.
The arrival of the boat at Chelsea pier reminded him that he must land; thence he drove home.

On reaching the house he found Mrs.Birks there; she had called to see his father, and was in the hall on the point of leaving as he entered.

She stepped up to him, and spoke in a low voice.
'What is the matter with Beatrice ?' 'The matter?
How ?' 'She seems out of sorts.

Come round and see her, will you ?' 'I really can't just now,' Wilfrid replied.