The smell of burned paper disturbed him with its hint of vanished romance.
Putting the lid on the stove, he took the lamp from Charnock's unsteady hand, and, when he had lighted it, found a brush and set to work.
Presently Charnock made a vague sign of relief as he looked at the swept floor.
"All gone!" he remarked.

"There was something I couldn't find.

Suppose I burned it, though I don't remember." "There's nothing left," said Festing, who felt guilty.

"Why did you destroy the things ?" Charnock sat down and awkwardly lighted his pipe.

"Wanted to begin again with what they call a clean slate.