They were alone in the silent house.
"Well, I suppose we must be going up," he said.
"I suppose so."
"Will you go up first and I'll come when you're ready?"
"All right."
He made no attempt to touch her as she passed him. She paused in the doorway. A mocking smile, a last desperate rally fluttered over her lips.
"Don't forget to turn the lamp out, Roland. My last lodger...."
But she never completed the sentence; and their eyes met in such a look as two shipwrecked mariners must exchange when they realise that they can hold out no longer, and that the next wave will dash their numb fingers from the friendly spar.
Transcriber's Notes: