The church-bells were still ringing for evening service when I came into the village. Hildred was to meet me at church, for the Vicar never liked the musicians to be away if they could help it, and I played the fiddle up in the gallery every Sunday.
Nearly everybody had gone in when I reached the steps leading up to the churchyard. Only Hildred was standing under the lych gate, and watching for me in the failing light.
If it had been good news I was bringing her, I should have quickened my steps when I saw her.
Now I did not look up, but walked slower, wishing that something would come to prevent my having to destroy the last hope she had.
I think she understood. She came two steps down towards me. The church-bells stopped ringing.
'Willie,' she said in a whisper.
I shook my head.
'Was it true, then?'
'All true.'
She drew back, covering her face with her hands, but she was very quiet. A blow in all its heaviness cannot fall twice.