For Paul saw that Silas Finn found in this land of artistic illusion a refuge from many things; not only from the sordid cares of a large business, but perhaps also from the fierce intensity of his religion, from his driving and compelling deity.

Here God entered gently.
There was another reason, which Paul scarcely confessed to himself, for the pleasure he found in the older man's company.

The veil which he had thrown so adroitly over his past history, which needed continuous adroitness to maintain, was useless in this house.

Both Barney Bill and Jane had spoken of him freely.

Silas Finn knew of Bludston, of his modeldom, of his inglorious career on the stage.