The reserve of Nora oozed, waned, vanished.
Even, the sternest fibre must at length succumb under prolonged Herculean endeavour.

No man may long continuously wag his ears, even alternately; therefore Sam perforce paused in time.

Yet by that time--in what manner it occurred no one may know--Nora was seated on the chair next to him at the table.

They were alone.

Silence fell.
Nora's hand moved nervously among the spoons.