Nothing I could do altered him.

Had he reason?
When my brother and I in our anger thought we were avenging our mother's death, were we in truth destroying him also--driving him into wickedness beyond hope?
Were we--was I--for I was the eldest--responsible?
Does his death, moral and physical, lie at my door ?" He raised his eyes to her--his tired appealing eyes--and Elizabeth realised sharply how deep a hold such questionings take on such a man.
She tried to argue with and comfort him--and he seemed to absorb, to listen--but in the middle of it, he said abruptly, as though to change the subject: "And I confess the publicity has hit me hard.

It may be cowardly, but I can't face it for a while.

I think I told you I owned some land in Saskatchewan.

I shall go and settle down on it at once." "And give up your appointment--your public life ?" she cried in dismay.
He smiled at her faintly, as though trying to console her.
"Yes; I shan't be missed, and I shall do better by myself.