Prosaic though it may appear, the fact remains that the strain and anguish of parting, even from those we love best on earth, can be mitigated by such material things as food and drink.

Or is it that these only strengthen the body to sustain the tortured soul within it?
After dinner Ralph deserted to his club, and the three women drew round the fire, talking desultorily, as women will, and avoiding as though by common consent matters that touched them too nearly.

Presently the maid, came noiselessly into the firelit room.
"A gentleman has called to see Miss Davenant," she said, addressing her mistress.
Nan's heart missed a beat.

It was Peter--she was sure of it--Peter, who had come back to her! In the long watches of the night he had found out that they could not part.

.