It lay with him, entirely, so far.
"What a lazy hound I have been," he said, smiling; "I have no excuses to save my hide--no dogs ever have.

Are you well, Ailsa ?" She made the effort: "Yes, perfectly.

I fear--" Her eyes rested on his marred and haggard face; she said no more because she could not.
He made, leisurely, all proper and formal inquiries concerning the Craigs and those he had met there, mentioned pleasantly his changed fortunes; spoke of impending and passing events, of the war, of the movement of troops, of the chances for a battle, which the papers declared was imminent.
Old Jonas shuffled in with the Madeira and a decanter of brandy, it being now nearly eight o'clock.
Later, while Berkley was still carelessly bearing the burden of conversation, the clock struck nine times; and in another incredibly brief interval, it struck ten.
He started to rise, and encountered her swiftly lifted eyes.

And a flush grew and deepened on his face, and he resumed his place in silence.

When again he was seated she drew, unconsciously, a long, deep breath, and inclined her head to listen.