"Can I help you?" Heron asked.
"No, no. Impossible!"
The man was so shaken and ill that Geoffrey asked no more questions. He went over and shook hands. "As you have withdrawn I will try my luck. But, I also may fail; and if I do I hope I shall bear the disappointment as well as you do. If you will allow me I will come and see you again."
"I shall be glad to see you. But are you not going back to Hollyoaks?
"No," replied Geoffrey. "I shall be in town for a week or so, and if I can see you again so much the better."
"Come by all means, then. I am usually at home during the evening. I'm afraid I can't ask you to dine just now. I really do not feel well enough."
"That's all right," Heron said, brightly. "I know you feel bad, but you have behaved like a Briton." Than which Geoffrey thought there could not be higher praise. "And if I can help you in any way I will. I have an idea, you know, that we shall be friends, after all."
"We have made a good start, anyhow," said Neil. "Good-bye."
When Geoffrey had gone, the unhappy man buried his face in the sofa cushions and wept bitterly. He had crushed down his feelings throughout the interview; but now Nature would have her way.
"Oh, Heavens!" he wailed. "Shall I ever know peace again?"