I wish I could go to Torp and the Nilghai, even though I were in their way.' Pussy left the room before the speech was ended, and Alf, as he entered, found Dick addressing the empty hearth-rug.
'There's a letter for you, sir,' he said.

'Perhaps you'd like me to read it.' 'Lend it to me for a minute and I'll tell you.' The outstretched hand shook just a little and the voice was not over-steady.

It was within the limits of human possibility that--that was no letter from Maisie.

He knew the heft of three closed envelopes only too well.

It was a foolish hope that the girl should write to him, for he did not realise that there is a wrong which admits of no reparation though the evildoer may with tears and the heart's best love strive to mend all.