Without moving his hand, without looking up from Mercy, he spoke for the first time since the shock had fallen on him.
"Where is Julian ?" he asked, very quietly.
"I am here, Horace--close by you." "Will you do me a service ?" "Certainly.

How can I help you ?" He considered a little before he replied.

His hand left Mercy's shoulder, and went up to his head--then dropped at his side.

His next words were spoken in a sadly helpless, bewildered way.
"I have an idea, Julian, that I have been somehow to blame.

I said some hard words to you.