t it out."

"Like this?" The amiable Mitchy had straightway obliged his companion
and he as promptly took in the effect of the diminished light on the
character of the room, which he commended as if the depth of shadow
produced were all this companion had sought. He might freshly have
brought home to Vanderbank that a man sensitive to so many different
things, and thereby always sure of something or other, could never
really be incommoded; though that personage presently indeed showed
himself occupied with another thought.

"I think I ought to mention to you that I've told him how you and
Mrs. Brook now both know. I did so this afternoon on our way back from
church--I hadn't done it before. He took me a walk round to show me
more of the place, and that gave me my chance. But he doesn't mind,"
Vanderbank continued. "The only thing is that I've thought it may
possibly make him speak to you, so that it's better you should know he
knows. But he told me definitely Nanda doesn't."

Mitchy took this in with an attention that spoke of his already
recognising how the less tempered darkness favoured talk. "And is that
all that passed between you?"

"Well, practically; except of course that I made him understand, I
think, how it happened that I haven't kept my own counsel."

"Oh but you HAVE--didn't he at least feel?--or perhaps even have done
better, when you've two such excellent persons to keep it FOR you. Can't
he easily believe how we feel with you?"

Vanderbank appeared for a minute to leave this appeal unheeded; he
continued to stare into the garden while he smoked and swung the long
leg he had thrown over the arm of the chair. When he at last spoke,
however, it was with some emphasis--perhaps even with some vulgarity.
"Oh rot!"

Mitchy hovered without an arrest. "You mean he CAN'T feel?"

"I mean it isn't true. I've no illusions about you. I know how you're
both affected, though I of course perfectly trust you."

Mitchy had a short silence. "Trust us not to speak?"

"Not to speak to Nanda herself--though of course too if you spoke to
others," Vanderbank went on, "they'd immediately rush and tell her."

"I've spoken to no one," said Mitchy. "I'm sure of it. And neither has
Mrs. Brook."

"I'm glad you're sure of that also," Mitchy returned, "for it's only
doing her justice."

"Oh I'm quite confident of it," said Vanderbank. "And without asking
her?"

"Perfectly."

"And you're equally sure, without asking,