But for an hour no messenger came from the post-office.

Then, remembering that a long sad work might be before him, he went into the hotel and breakfasted.

It was twelve o'clock and the room was full.

He was shown a place amongst the other newcomers at one of the long tables, and he did not notice that Sylvia Thesiger sat beside him.

He heard her timid request for the salt, and passed it to her; but he did not speak, he did not turn; and when he pushed back his chair and left the room, he had no idea who had sat beside him, nor did he see the shadow of disappointment on her face.