They are no longer country; they are better gathered in." She shivered.
"There is something about life," she said, sadly, "which terrifies me.
Every force that counts seems to be destructive." Up the steep hill behind them came the puffing and groaning of a small motor-car.

They both turned their heads to watch it come into view.
It was an insignificant affair of an almost extinct pattern, a single cylinder machine with a round tonneau back.

The engine was knocking badly as the driver brought it to a standstill a few yards away from them.

Involuntarily Tavernake stiffened as he saw the two men who descended from it, and who were already passing through the gate close to where they were.

One was Mr.Dowling, the other the manager of the bank where they kept their account.