The Return

curtains. Fleecy silver hair was all that was visible of their visitor when they entered. But Mr Bethany rose out of his chair when he heard them, and with a little jerk, turne

as possible, a closer view. But Lawford, having shut the door behind him, had gone straight to the fire and seated himself, leaning his face in his hands. Mr Bethany smi

idence about a change, my dear fellow-about a ramble and a change?' He sat down, put up his kind little puckered face and peered again at Lawford, and then very

epeat all that my wife t

urself with me. If I may be of any help, here I am.... Oh, no, no....' he paused, with blinking eyes, b

cribed as a very large smile in a very small compass. 'And that, of course, entailed instant retribution.' He broke off solemnly. 'I know Widderstone churchyard well; a most verdant and beautiful spot. The late rector, a Mr Strickland, was a very old friend of mine. And his wife, dear good Alicia, used to set out her babies, in the morning, to sleep and t

thing of that sort,' c

leep," so have I too-scores of times'; he beamed, with beads of swea

think, as it seemed-I felt

ong, brightly lit, intense pause; at the end of which Law

ectly still, his head craned a little forward, and

imself was compelled to sidle his glance away, so much the face shook him. He closed his eyes, too, as a cat does afte

t a great change, sir? I thought perhaps I

voice that broke the silence. 'You see,' he said, 'I have never... no fit, or anything of that kind before. I remember on Tuesday... oh yes, quite well. I did feel seedy

lack wrinkled sleeve, just managing to reach far enough to tap Lawford's kn

consult, yes, consult together. And later-we must have advice-medical advice; unless, as I very much suspect, it is merely a little quite temporary physical aberration. Science, I am told

irst this way, then that, to each speaker in turn. 'That is what I though

ind of austere humour, 'I think, do you know, I see no "but."' He paused as if to catch the echo and added, 'It

she explained, as if into a huge vacuum, 'it is a terrible visitation.' She mov

lieve me. She thinks,' he explained naively, as if to himself, 'she thinks I am an

wife, poor soul, is of course inconceivable: that you went out one man and came home another. You will understand, my dear man, I am speaking, as it were, by rote. God has mercifully ordered that the human brain works slowly; first the blow, hours afterwards the bruise. Oh, dear me, that man Hume-"on miracles"-positively amazing! So that too, please, you will be quite clear about. Credo-not

ifferent, I understand, until you

ter waking I felt much better

, your t

a real long rest. It was just like being

' he said, 'I can hardly believe, I mean conceive, how

lf,' said Lawford,

ent on gently; 'I really cannot conceive, you see, how a mere fit could... Before yo

no,' came the

thy, and subliminalities-why, the simple old world grows very confusing. But rarely, ve

tle seat-no back. And an epitaph. The sun was just setting; some French name. And there was a long jagged crack in the stone, like the black line you know one sees a

ng creature near you? Bless me, Lawford, I see no unkindness in believing what the Bible itself

d to me that it would have looked rather queer-my wandering about like that, I mean. Facing me there were some cypress-trees, and beyond, a low sunken fence, and then, just open country. Up above the

any shrunk back a little into his chair.

ry quietly he stole one mole-lik

s gazing gloomily into the fire. 'Oh, Annandale,

m? Your wife mentione

ames was our doctor. He-he killed my

any, 'one of the kindest men I ever

ice. 'Only one thing-only one thing-my sanity, my sanity. If once I forget, who will believe me

ctacles. 'May I, may I experiment?' he s

a quarter to twelve. 'Yes, yes, Mrs Lawford,' he trotted

red Lawford, as if at a cue, turning

stood in his eyes. 'Patience, patience, my dear fellow,' he repeated gravely, squeezing his hand. 'And rest, complete rest, is imperative. Just till

hing has happened. Don't fret him now. Have patience. Oh yes, it is incredible... the change! But there, the very first thing to-morrow.' She closed the door gently after him, and stepping

oggedly met the fixed eyes facing h

ned round. 'It's useless talking now, Sheila. No more q

your head?' inquired

headaches.' he smiled, 'my old bilious headaches-the hereditary L

s, dear,' she said, 'I have made up a bed for you in the large spare room. It is thoroughly aired.'

ed his mouth and shut it again, still watching his wife as she stooped w

the door. But there he paused. 'God knows,' he said, strangely and m

I can't find anywhere,' she murmured, 'I can

ly pretending to look for it,' he said, 'to try me. We bo

very glad the vicar was at home,' she said brightly. 'And mind, mind you rest, Arthur. There's nothing so bad but it might be worse..

emnly. 'Whatever it may be, She

at 'I will be loyal' quite like that-nobody but Arthur. She stood up, patting her hair. 'I don't th