When the address was over, Walter sat like one dazed and did not rise to go out. Bauer whispered to him:
"Are you sick?"
"No," said Walter with an effort. He rose and went up to his room and Bauer, who did not know what was the matter, went in with him, as the two friends invariably spent their Sunday evenings together.
But on this occasion Walter almost stunned Bauer with a request made in a low voice.
"I want to be alone, Bauer, if you don't mind."
Bauer rose at once.
"I am on hand to serve you, Walter. Don't forget?"
"No," Walter said abruptly.
Bauer went out, and Walter went into his bedroom and got down on his knees.
That same evening at Milton, Mrs. Douglas had just gone up to her room, and as her custom had been for years, she had kneeled to pray for her children and especially for her absent boy.