It is better to be quite quiet and to see no one for
a time."
"You are sure?" Ethne asked. "It would hurt me if I thought you proposed
this plan because you felt I would be happier at Glenalla."
"No, that is not the reason," Durrance answered, and he answered quite
truthfully. He felt it necessary for both of them that they should
separate. He, no less than Ethne, suffered under the tyranny of
perpetual simulation. It was only because he knew how much store she set
upon carrying out her resolve that two lives should not be spoilt
because of her, that he was able to hinder himself from crying out that
he knew the truth.
"I am returning to London next week," he added, "and when I come back I
shall be in a position to tell you whether I am to go to Wiesbaden or
not."
Durrance had reason to be glad that he had mentioned his plan before the
arrival of Calder's telegram from Wadi Halfa. Ethne was unable to
connect his departure from her with the receipt of any news about
Feversham. The telegram came one afternoon, and Durrance took it across
to The Pool in the evening and showed it to Ethne. There were only four
words to the telegram:--
"Feversham imprisoned at Omdurman.
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