After an interval of a few years the Squire's courtship and marriage, at which his old friend had assisted, had confined his activities to a narrower circle.

The last time they had met was when An Wolf had come over to Norcester to aid in the burial of his friend's wife.

In the process of years, however, the shadow over Norman's life had begun to soften; when his baby had grown to be something of a companion, they met again.

Norman, 'who had never since his wife's death been able to tear himself, even for a night, away from Normanstand and Stephen, wrote to his old friend asking him to come to him.

An Wolf gladly promised, and for a week of growing expectation the Squire looked forward to their meeting.