That same evening brother and sister sat together in the library; neither had spoken for some time, and, coming at the end of a long silence, Mildred's voice sounded clear and distinct.
'Alfred Stanby called here to-day.'
'I wonder he did not call before.' There was a note of surprise in his voice which did not quite correspond with his words.
'Did he stay long?'
'He stayed for tea.'
'Did you find him changed? It must be five years since you met.'
'He has grown stouter.'
'What did he talk about?'
'Ordinary things. He was very formal.'
'He was very much cut up when you broke off your engagement.'