To him came through the darkness Mr.Stonehouse.

He heard the footsteps and knew them; so with the instinct of courtesy, knowing that his friend would not intrude on his solitude without purpose, he turned and met him.
When the American stood beside him he said, studiously avoiding looking at his companion: 'This is the last night we shall be together, and, if I may, there is one thing I would like to say to you.' 'Say all you like, sir,' said Harold as heartily as he could, 'I am sure it is well meant; and for that at any rate I shall be grateful to you.' 'You will yet be grateful, I think!' he answered gravely.

'When it comes back to you in loneliness and solitude you will, I believe, think it worth being grateful for.

I don't mean that you will be grateful to me, but for the thing itself.

I speak out of the wisdom of many years.