After visiting Jasper Kimber at Heddington, as I came back over the hill by the path we all took that day after the Meeting--Ebn Ezra Bey, my father, Elder Fairley, and thee and me--I drew near the chairmaker's but where thee lived alone all those sad months.

It was late evening; the sun had set.
Yet I felt that I must needs go and lay my hand in love upon the door of the empty hut which had been ever as thee left it.

So I came down the little path swiftly, and then round the great rock, and up towards the door.

But, as I did so, my heart stood still, for I heard voices.

The door was open, but I could see no one.