He leaned back against the stile and could have laughed.

Here was the origin of the whole sad business.

From what small beginnings it had grown! It is a trite reflection, but the personal application of it is apt to take away the breath.

It was so with Durrance as he thought himself backwards into those days when he had walked on his own path, heedless of the people with whom he came in touch, never dreaming that they were at that moment influencing his life right up to his dying day.

Feversham's disgrace and ruin, Ethne's years of unhappiness, the wearying pretences of the last few months, all had their origin years ago when Mrs.Adair, to keep Durrance to herself, threw Feversham and Ethne into each other's company.
"I succeeded," continued Mrs.Adair.