He had been walking for a long while, somewhere between light and darkness,—perhaps for hours, perhaps minutes. Then somebody came who laid an arm about his shoulder and spoke of courage.
Other people were in the room, now. One said:
"Don't go up yet."... Once he noticed a woman, Mrs. Connor, crying. Connor led her away.
Others moved about or stood silent; and some one was always drawing near him, speaking of courage. It was odd that so much darkness should invade a lighted room.
Then somebody came down the stairs, noiselessly. The house was very still.
And at last they let him go upstairs.