I
thought nothing could be more natural, and felt quite glad. But, as
soon as we met, I saw something strange in him, something seemed to
have happened. And--how shall I tell you? It's only a guess of
mine--things didn't come to foolish extremities--but I really believe
that the poor fellow had somehow persuaded himself that it's his duty
to--no, I can't go on, but I'm sure you will understand. I was never so
amused at anything.

"Why do I write this to you? I hardly know. But I have just a suspicion
that the story may not come to you quite as a surprise. If Norbert
thought he had a certain duty--strange idea!--perhaps friends of his
might see things in the same way. Even the most sensible people are
influenced by curious ideas on one subject. I need not say that, as
soon as the suspicion dawned upon me, I did my best to let him
understand how far astray he was going. I think he understood. I feel
sure he did. At all events he got into natural talk again, and parted
in a thoroughly reasonable way.

"I beg that you won't reply to this letter. I shall work on, and hope
to be able to see you again before long."

Warburton threw the sheet of paper on to the table, as if dismissing it
from his thoughts. He began to walk about the room Then he stood
motionless for ten minutes. "What's the matter with me?" this was the
current of his musing. "I used to think myself a fellow of some energy;
but the truth is, I know my mind about nothing, and I'm at the mercy of
every one who chooses to push me this way or that."

He took up the letter again, and was about to re-read it, but suddenly
altered his mind, and thrust the folded paper into his pocket.

Eight days went by. Will had a visit from Sherwood, who brought news
that the whisky distiller had seemed a little better, but could not
possibly live more than a week or two. As regards the vegetarian colony
all went well; practical men were at work on the details of the scheme;
Sherwood toiled for ten hours a day at secretarial correspondence. Next
day, there came a postcard from Rosamund.

"Work ready to show you. Could you come and have a cup of tea to-morrow
afternoon?"

At the conventional hour Will went to Oakley Crescent. Not, however, as
he had expected, to find Miss Elvan alone; with her sat Mrs. Pomfret,
in London for the afternoon. The simple and kindly lady talked as
usual, but Will, nervously observant, felt sure that she was not quite
at her ease. On the other h