The task of being Lewis's keeper did not by right belong to them; they were only amateurs acting in the absence of the properly qualified Wratislaw.
Besides, it had been anxious work, for while each had sworn to himself aforetime to protect his friend from the wiles of Miss Wishart, both were now devoted slaves drawn at that young woman's chariot wheel.

You will perceive that it is a delicate matter to wage war with a goddess, and a task unblest of Heaven.
Supper was brought, and the lamps lit in the cool old room, where, through the open window, they could still catch the glint of foam on the stream and the dark gloom of pines on the hill.

They fell ravenously on the meal, for one man had eaten nothing since midday and the others were fresh from moorland air.

Thereafter they pulled armchairs to a window, and lit the pipes of contentment.

Wratislaw stretched his arms on the sill and looked out into the fragrant darkness.
"Any news, Tommy ?" asked his host.