"Let me, at least, help you on with your coats."
They stared blankly at him. There was a faraway look in his eyes, but his speech was quiet and distinct enough. Like lambs they obeyed, and marched out into the hall.
"I am afraid I am too weak to offer much assistance—"
"Don't 'ee menshun et."
They resumed their coats, and groped for hats and sticks. A deep and awful wonder possessed them both.
"The night is fine," observed their host, as he opened the door: "you will have a pleasant journey home. Good-night!"
He shook them by the hand as they staggered out, shut the door upon them, and returned pensively to the dining-room.
As the door closed behind them, the brothers looked into each other's eyes. Paul gave a short gasp, and leant against a pillar of the verandah.
"Peter!"
"Paul!"