.

SOOLSBY'S HAND UPON THE CURTAIN.
Faith raised her eyes from the paper before her and poised her head meditatively.
"How long is it, friend, since--" "Since he went to Egypt ?" "Nay, since thee--" "Since I went to Mass ?" he grumbled humorously.
She laughed whimsically.

"Nay, then, since thee made the promise--" "That I would drink no more till his return--ay, that was my bargain; till then and no longer! I am not to be held back then, unless I change my mind when I see him.

Well, 'tis three years since--" "Three years! Time hasn't flown.

Is it not like an old memory, his living here in this house, Soolsby, and all that happened then ?" Soolsby looked at her over his glasses, resting his chin on the back of the chair he was caning, and his lips worked in and out with a suppressed smile.
"Time's got naught to do with you.