g into the house
of his secret mood. He appeared not even to have noticed that they had
turned their backs on London, and passed into Richmond Park.

Here the trees, made dark by rain, seemed to watch gloomily the progress
of this whirring-wheeled red box, unreconciled even yet to such harsh
intruders on their wind-scented tranquillity. And the deer, pursuing
happiness on the sweet grasses, raised disquieted noses, as who should
say: Poisoners of the fern, defilers of the trails of air!

Barbara vaguely felt the serenity out there in the clouds, and the trees,
and wind. If it would but creep into this dim, travelling prison, and
help her; if it would but come, like sleep, and steal away dark sorrow,
and in one moment make grief-joy. But it stayed outside on its wistful
wings; and that grand chasm which yawns between soul and soul remained
unbridged. For what could she say? How make him speak of what he was
going to do? What alternatives indeed were now before him? Would he
sullenly resign his seat, and wait till he could find Audrey Noel again?
But even if he did find her, they would only be where they were. She had
gone, in order not to be a drag on him--it would only be the same thing
all over again! Would he then, as Granny had urged him, put on his
armour, and go down into the fight? But that indeed would mean the end,
for if she had had the strength to go away now, she would surely never
come back and break in on his life a second time. And a grim thought
swooped down on Barbara. What if he resigned everything! Went out into
the dark! Men did sometimes--she knew--caught like this in the full
flush of passion. But surely not Miltoun, with his faith! 'If the
lark's song means nothing--if that sky is a morass of our invention--if
we are pettily creeping on, furthering nothing--persuade me of it, Babs,
and I'll bless you.' But had he still that anchorage, to prevent him
slipping out to sea? This sudden thought of death to one for whom life
was joy, who had never even seen the Great Stillness, was very
terrifying. She fixed her eyes on the back of the chauffeur, in his drab
coat with the red collar, finding some comfort in its solidity. They
were in a taxi-cab, in Richmond Park! Death--incongruous, incredible
death! It was stupid to be frightened! She forced herself to look at
Miltoun. He seemed to be asleep; his eyes were closed, his arms
folded--only a quivering of his eyelids betrayed him. Im