"I thought I should find you here," he said, stopping near the door. "Are you better, Julian?"
"Better?"
"Last night you were not yourself."
"I have not been myself for a long time," Julian replied.
"I had not noticed any change."
Julian made no reply. A dogged expression had come into his face. He was still sitting close to Cuckoo. Now he took her hand in his. As he did so, Valentine moved a little nearer, as if urged by a sudden impulse. He bent down to gaze into Cuckoo's face, and uttered a short exclamation.
"The battle!" he said.
An expression almost of awe had come into his eyes, and for a moment he hesitated, even half turned as if to slink away. But then, with a strong effort, he recovered himself and again fixed his eyes on Julian.
"Come, Julian!" he said.
"I will not come."