The indecisions of the habitually decisive are hard to deal with.

The lad was puzzled by her failure to say more.
"It is dreadful, Aunt Ann.

I think I ought to go and tell Josiah--now--to-night." She made no comment except to say, "Arrest is not possible on Sunday--and he is safe until Monday or Tuesday." John Penhallow looked at her for a moment surprised that she did not say go, or else forbid him to go; it was unlike her.

He had no desire to wait for Sunday and was filled with anxiety.

"I think I must go now--now," he said.
"Then I shall go to bed," she said, and kissing him went away slowly step by step up the stairs.
Staircases are apt to suggest reflections, and there are various ways of rendering the French phrase "_esprit de l'escalier_." Aware that want of moral courage had made her uncertain what to do, or like the Indian, having two hearts, Ann had been unable to accept bravely the counsel of either.