"Oh, I faced that long ago, when you were on your first bridge, up at old Allway.

I knew then that your paths were not to be paths of peace, but I decided that I wanted to follow them." Bartley and his wife stood silent for a long time; the fire crackled in the grate, the rain beat insistently upon the windows, and the sleepy Angora looked up at them curiously.
Presently Thomas made a discreet sound at the door.

"Shall Edward bring down your trunks, sir ?" "Yes; they are ready.

Tell him not to forget the big portfolio on the study table." Thomas withdrew, closing the door softly.

Bartley turned away from his wife, still holding her hand.