His host leaned towards him and spoke for the first time in the kindlier tones of their youth.
"You hinted at tragedy, my friend.

You are not alone.

Tragedy also has entered my life.

Perhaps if things had been otherwise, I should have found work in more joyous places, but sorrow came to me, and I am here." A quick flash of sympathy lit up Dominey's face.
"We met trouble in a different fashion," he groaned..