"Yes, I am often lonely."
"Do you have nothing to occupy your days?"
"Oh, yes. The days are not bad." He nods in the direction of the desk; pats Helen's dog; glances at his flowers.
"And the nights?"
Braine smiles and does not reply. There are tears that cause heart-ache, but there are smiles that cause heart-break.
After a time they go in to supper. It is a frugal one—suggesting how adequate the food of the mind may be.
There is wine for Everet—who keeps his friend company, however, in drinking water.
After a time they sit together in the twilight. There has been a long silence between them. Presently Everet says:
"Do you want to hear?"
Braine nods.