Jane was accustomed to his long fits of musing, but now she with difficulty refrained from questioning him.

He said at length: 'Jane, I'm afraid we shall have to give up our day in the country.' She assented readily, gladly; all the joy had gone out of the proposed excursion, and she wished Dow to be by herself in quietness.
'I think I'll let you go home alone,' Snowdon continued.

'I want to see Mr.Kirkwood, and I dare say I shall find him in, if I walk on at once.' They went in different directions, and Snowdon made what speed he could to Tysoe Street.

Sidney had already been out, walking restlessly and aimlessly for two or three hours.

The news he now heard was the half-incredible fulfilment of a dread that had been torturing him through the night.