"And now, goodbye." He closed the door behind him,

Then stept, with firm swift footstep down the stair,

Meaning to go where she would never find him;

He would go down through darkness to despair.

Out at the door he stept; the autumn air

Came fresh upon his face; none saw him go.

"Goodbye, my love," he muttered; "it is better so."

Soon he was on the high road, out of sight

Of valley and farm; soon he could see no more

The oast-house pointing finger take the light