I have not been systematically enough taught for that. Most of what I know I have found out for myself.

But you succeeded all the same.

Yes, thanks to the fire. I laid out almost the whole of the garden in villa lots; and there I was able to build after my own heart. So I came to the front with a rush.

[Looks keenly at him.] You must surely be a very happy man, as matters stand with you.

[Gloomily.] Happy? Do you say that, too—like all the rest of them?

Yes, I should say you must be. If you could only cease thing about the two little children—

[Slowly.] The two little children—they are not so easy to forget, Hilda.

[Somewhat uncertainly.] Do you still feel their loss so much—after all these years?

[Looks fixedly at her, without replying.] A happy man you said—

Well, now, are you not happy—in other respects?