Paul wondered if he knew.

It was some time, and nobody had spoken.

At last the son said: "You noticed the blinds were down ?" Morel looked up.
"No," he said.

"Why--has she gone ?" "Yes." "When wor that ?" "About twelve this morning." "H'm!" The miner sat still for a moment, then began his dinner.

It was as if nothing had happened.