The flies buzzed round the table and crawled over the stained cloth.

Through the rumble of omnibuses, and the clatter of street-cabs, he could hear the droning voice devouring each minute that was left to him.
After some time, he thrust away his plate and put his head in his hands.

He felt that he had a right to know.

It should have been told to him before, if it was as he suspected.

Leaden with fear, his mother watched him.