She peered down the passage and drew back, and Jane knew that she was afraid of being seen.
"There's nobody about," she said, "they're all in the dining-room."
"Will you come with me?" she said.
Then Jane took her hand and led her to the room where Robert was, and left her with him.
He stood by the hearth, waiting for her. His head was bowed, but his eyes, as she entered, lifted and fixed themselves on her. There had gone from him that air of radiant and unconquerable youth, of innocence, expectant and alert. Instead of it he too wore the mark of experience, of initiation that had meant torture.
"I hope," he said, "you are rested."
"Oh yes."
She stood there, weak and drooping, leaning her weight on one slender hand, spread palm downward on the table.
He drew out a chair for her, and removed his own to the other side of the table, keeping that barrier between them. In his whole manner there was a terrible constraint.