He looked long at it now, as he sat alone upon that couch on which he had once lain with her arms wrapped around him.
“Miriam, belovèd,” he said, “I think you would like this home of ours. And I believe you would like my book. And I am sure you would be amused to know that Mary drags old Thomas out ‘of an evening’ to see ‘the pictures.’ Mary is having the time of her life, and Thomas thinks it is bad for Mary’s soul. But you and I would agree that Mary’s soul can stand a little more gaiety than her life with Thomas has hitherto provided.
“Now I must pour out my own tea from your beautiful William the Fourth silver teapot, so solid and embossed, and sturdy on its little feet, with a pair of acorns on the lid.
“Miriam, do you know how lonely it is to have all this, yet not to have you? And so slowly the months pass; and so many years are yet to come.
“Oh, my belovèd! Send me thoughts of hope and patience, and strength to play the man.”
SCENE XIX
THE GREAT CHANCE
Ten months later
Luke Sparrow, erect and vigorous, in the khaki uniform which had begun to mean so much to England, stood on his study hearth-rug, giving final instructions to his old servant.
“I’m in luck, Thomas. So early in the day; but I lost no time, and it’s France for me to-morrow; and, please God, that means Belgium, and in the thick of it. You will look after things, till I get back. Don’t let Mary fret. Give her a cheerful time.
“If I don’t return, my things will come back to you. My will is in that drawer. Everything will belong to you two faithful souls. That is what her ladyship would wish.... That’s all right, Thomas. Yes, I know all about it. Goodbye, old friend....