The grey eyes shifted, evidently seeing nothing in the room; then movement occurred under the bedclothes, and the knees were drawn up suddenly to a great height.
"They ought to send out Roberts.

It all comes from that fellow Gladstone and his Majuba." The two listeners noted something beyond the usual in his voice, something of real anxiety.

It was as if he had said: 'I shall never see the old country peaceful and safe again.

I shall have to die before I know she's won.' And in spite of the feeling that James must not be encouraged to be fussy, they were touched.

Soames went up to the bedside and stroked his father's hand which had emerged from under the bedclothes, long and wrinkled with veins.
"Mark my words!" said James, "consols will go to par.