Thus it came about that before the rout grew silent John Strong missed his son from the glare of the many lamps. Judith, his sister, went in search of him, clad in a rust-red gown that made more vivid the beauty of her hair and the white brilliance of her skin. In the library she found him, with a solitary candle burning on the mantel-shelf and the room in gloom. He was standing by an open window with the wind sweeping in as he looked out into the night.
“Gabriel,” she said, as she touched his sleeve.
He started, for he had not heard her enter and thought himself alone.
“Why have you left us?”
He did not look at her, but still stared out into the dark.
“I am tired,” he said.
“Of course, dear.”
“Is the nonsense over?”
Judith took his hand between hers and he did not resist her. Her voice was restful as a quiet wind through trees.
“What is the matter?” she asked him.