There fell a brief silence between them; then Scott's hand came gently down and closed upon his brother's.
"Life isn't so confoundedly easy at the best of times," he said, speaking almost under his breath.

"I'm generally philosopher enough to take it as it comes.

But just lately--" he broke off.

"Let it be _pax,_ Eustace!" he urged in a whisper.
Eustace's hand remained for a moment or two stiffly unresponsive; then very suddenly it closed and held.
"What's the matter with you ?" he said gruffly.
"Oh, I'm a fool, that's all," Scott answered, and uttered a shaky laugh.
"Never mind! Forget it like a dear fellow! God knows I don't want to pull against you; but, old chap, we must go slow." It was the conclusion that events had forced upon Eustace himself during the night, but he chafed against acknowledging it.

"There's no sense in drifting on in the same old hopeless way for ever," he said.