“Which way are you going?”
“That I cannot say. East or west. We are just wanderers.”
Pause.
“I'm sorry,” she said. “I mean, I don't think it's wise of you.... Oh, but what was it you said about Erik? I only came to ask about him....”
“He's in a baddish way now, but still.”
“Does the doctor think he will get better?”
“Yes, as far as I know. I've not heard otherwise.”
“Well—good-night.”
Oh to be young and rich and handsome, and famous and learned in sciences!... There she goes....
Before leaving the churchyard I found a serviceable thumbnail and put it in my pocket. I waited a little, peering this way and that, and listening, but all was still. No voice came saying, “That's mine!”