He was not so much as looking at him.
Several seconds passed in silence.

Then impulsively Bertie turned.

His lips were quivering.

He went straight back to the quiet figure on the hearth, lifted the free arm, and drew it boyishly round his neck.
"Old chap, forgive me!" he said.
"For what you haven't done ?" Lucas asked, with a very kindly smile.
"For being an unconscionable brute!" Bertie said, with feeling.

"I didn't mean, it, old man.