At his feet, very far below, lay St. James's
Park, silent and black, a quiet pool of darkness in the midst of glitter
and noise. Durrance had a great desire to escape out of this room into
its secrecy. But that he could not do without remark. Therefore he kept
his back turned to his companion, and leaned his forehead against the
window, and hoped his friend would continue to talk. For he was face to
face with one of the sacrifices which must not be mentioned, and which
no sign must betray.
Feversham did continue, and if Durrance did not listen, on the other
hand Captain Trench gave to him his closest attention. But it was
evident that Harry Feversham was giving reasons seriously considered. He
was not making excuses, and in the end Captain Trench was satisfied.
"Well, I drink to you, Feversham," he said, "with all the proper
sentiments."
"I too, old man," said Willoughby, obediently following his senior's
lead.
Thus they drank their comrade's health, and as their empty glasses
rattled on the table, there came a knock upon the door.
The two officers looked up. Durrance turned about from the window.
Feversham said, "Come in;" and his servant brought in to him a telegram.
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