riences, trivial in themselves, but hallowed by time.

Van Derwater remembered them all. For each one he had the slight smile
of his mouth and the quizzical weariness of his eyes; but when the
conversation would droop after each outburst of reminiscence, he would
not make the least attempt to lift it up again. Finally, being
convinced that nothing could come of so bloodless a meeting, Selwyn
dropped the impersonal mask.

'I was mighty sorry,' he said, 'to hear that you and Marjory have
broken off your engagement.'

'It was her wish: not mine.' Van Derwater's voice was deep and rich,
but almost monotonous in its lack of inflection.

'I was talking to Forbes to-day,' went on Selwyn tenaciously. 'He had
been to see Marjory.'

'Yes?'

'Marjory told him that you didn't care enough for her to go overseas.
I should think she would realise that such a matter concerns you only.'

'Not a bit of it.' For the first time the other's manner showed signs
of vitality. 'It means everything to her. She wants to feel that the
man she marries is big enough to go and help France. I admire her for
it. I wish there were more women with her character.'

Selwyn shifted his chair uneasily. 'But--I don't understand,' he
stammered. 'You told her you wouldn't go.'

'Well, what of it?'

'Look here, Van,' said Selwyn vehemently; 'we have been friends for
many years. I came to you to-night because my whole career is at a
standstill. I want to tell you everything--I must do it--but I can't
as long as you withhold your confidence. It isn't curiosity on my
part--you know that. I want to bring back the old sense of
understanding we once had.'

'You haven't changed,' said Van Derwater, an inscrutable smile playing
about his mouth. 'You always had a habit of piercing people's moods,
no matter what defence they put up. But if you want candour, I'll tell
you frankly I am sorry you came here this evening. I knew that it
would be difficult to keep from hurting you, and for old-times' sake I
didn't want to do that. As you know, I have never made friends. You
and Forbes were the nearest thing to it, and I suppose you two meant
more than I would ever care to admit. You might ring the bell over
your head. The fire needs more coal.'

As the negro obeyed his master's instructions and stoked the fire into
vigour, the two friends sat without speaking. Selwyn was mute with
apprehension of what he was to hear; the older man was dread