"No, it is no use, Humphreys. I must remain in London one more day. You go down to-morrow; I shall come by the first train next morning. Molyneux and the others won't be leaving for some days."
"Very well, sir; good-night, sir."
Brand returned into the room, and threw himself into an easy-chair; his only companion now was his old friend Evelyn.
The younger man regarded him.
"I can tell the whole story, Brand; I have been reading it in your face. You were troubled and perplexed before you got that letter. It gave some hope. Off you went to see Natalie; you came back with something in your manner that told me you had seen her and had been received favorably. Now it is only one more day of happiness you hunger for, before going up to the hard work of the North. Well, I don't wonder. But, at the same time, you look a little too restless and anxious for a man who has just won such a beautiful sweetheart."
"I am not so lucky as that, Evelyn," said he, absently.
"What, you did not see her?"
"Oh yes, I saw her; and I hope. But of course one craves for some full assurance when such a prize is within reach; and—and I suppose one's nerves are a little excited, so that you imagine possibilities and dangers—"
He rose, and took a turn up and down the room.
"It is the old story, Evelyn. I distrust Lind."