It was followed by a fainter streak.

Nevill must have lit the little lamp on the table by the window.

(Oh, dear! He was going to sit up, then.) She heard him go into the dining-room beyond and stumble against things; then came the spurt of a match, followed by the clinking of glasses.

(He was only going to have a smoke and a drink.) She waited a little while longer, then she called to him.

There was no answer; he must be dozing on the couch in the dining-room.