Is Kemp--and the others ?" "Ferrall could stand it if matters go wrong.

What others ?" "Why--the other owners and stockholders--" "What others?
Who do you mean ?" "Mr.Siward, for example," she said in an even voice, leaning over to pat her horse's neck with her gloved hand.
"Mr.Siward must take the chances we all take," observed Quarrier.
"But, Howard, it would really mean ruin for him if matters went badly.
Wouldn't it ?" "I am not familiar with the details of Mr.Siward's investments." "Nor am I," she said slowly.
He made no reply.
Lack of emotion in the man beside her she always expected, and therefore this new, sullen note in his voice perplexed her.

Too, at times, in his increasing reticence there seemed to be almost a hint of cold effrontery.

She felt it now--an indefinite suggestion of displeasure and the power to retaliate; something evasive, watchful, patiently hostile; and, try as she might, she could not rid herself of the discomfort of it, and the perplexity.
She spoke about other things; he responded in his impassive manner.
Presently she turned her horse and Quarrier wheeled his, facing a warm, fine rain, slanting thickly from the south.
His silky, Vandyke beard was all wet with the moisture.

She noticed it, and unbidden arose the vision of the gun-room at Shotover: Quarrier's soft beard wet with rain; the phantoms of people passing and repassing; Siward's straight figure swinging past, silhouetted against the glare of light from the billiard-room.