Then, as Fraide
in all unconsciousness added his second sentence, the hot glow
of feeling suddenly chilled. In a sweep of intuitive reaction
the meaning and the danger of his falsely real position
extinguished his excitement and turned his triumph cold. With
an involuntary gesture he withdrew his arm.
"You're very good, sir," he said. "And you're very right. We
never should forget that there is--a future."
The old man glanced up, surprised by the tone.
"Quite so, Chilcote," he said, kindly. "But we only advise
those in whom we believe to look towards it. Shall we find my
wife? I know she will want to bear you home with us."
But Loder's joy in himself and his achievement had dropped
from him. He shrank suddenly from Lady Sarah's
congratulations and Eve's warm, silent approbation.
"Thanks, sir," he said, "but I don't feel fit for society. A
touch of my--nerves, I suppose." He laughed shortly. "But do
you mind saying to Eve that I hope I have--satisfied her?" he
added this as if in half-reluctant after-thought.
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