It would have been easy to get into the swim and let it carry him carelessly on--moderately easy, at any rate.

But with Hilda to refer to he was forced to take notice, and it was she, therefore, that hastened the end.

Just after Christmas, in a fit of temporary boldness, he told her about Louise, so that it was Louise again who was the responsible person during these months.

Hilda's reply was delayed, nor had she written immediately.

When he got it, it was brief but to the point.