Bunny was silent also for a space. It was as if something sacred had come into their communion. At last with his head still pillowed on Jake's shoulder he spoke.
"Say, Jake!"
Jake's arm tightened almost as if he would silence him, but he said nothing.
And Bunny persisted. "Jake, old chap, it doesn't take a prophet to see that things aren't as they should be between you two. I'm beastly sorry. I know jolly well it's not your fault."
"It ain't hers," Jake said, almost under his breath.
"No. I guess it's that blackguard Charlie. I wish I were a man. I'd shoot him!" said Bunny vindictively.
"I guess you wouldn't," Jake said, faint humour in his voice. "Besides, there's nothing to shoot him for now. He's as much a loser as I am."
"What! They've quarrelled?" questioned Bunny. "Where is he? At the Castle?"
"No. Heaven knows where he is. He's been gone for the last six weeks and more."
"It's twice that since Maud went away," observed Bunny uneasily. "Why on earth doesn't she come back, Jake? She's not--not--afraid of you?"