On Edward Webb's face surprise was chased by pain. "How did you read my thoughts?" he said. "Have I been talking of her so much? Ah, I have bored you. I must learn to hold my peace, but it's seldom I speak freely—seldom."
"You haven't bored me," Alexander said gruffly.
"And you're wrong about Theresa."
"I may be, but I just know I don't want her to see this. I'd rather have her hating it than liking it. It's only for the few, this is."
"I had hoped to bring her here," the other said sadly.
"Oh, well, I needn't come with you," Alexander said.
It was growing dark when they returned, and on the doorstep they found Clara waiting for them.
"He's come back," she said. "He's gone to bed."
"Where has he been?"