"Very well, sir."
"Dispersion," said Chichester to Malling in a firmer voice, as Ellen disappeared.
"Concentration makes for strength. Mr. Harding seems to me mentally—what shall I say?—rather torn in pieces, as if preyed upon by some anxiety. Now, if you'll allow me to be personal, I should say that you have greatly gained in strength and power since I knew you two years ago."
"You—you observe a difference?" asked Chichester, apparently in great perturbation.
"A striking difference."
"And—and would you say I looked a happier, as well as a—a stronger man?"
"I couldn't with truth say that."
"Very few of us are happy," said Chichester, with trembling lips. "Poor miserable sinners as we are! And we clergymen, who set up to direct others—" he broke off.
He seemed greatly, strangely, moved.
"You must forgive me. I have had a very hard day's work!" he murmured. "The coffee will do me good. Let us sit in the armchairs, and Ellen can clear away. I wish I had two sitting-rooms."