There ensued a break in the
conversation; then Kirkwood said, with the abruptness of one who is
broaching a difficult subject:
'I should like to tell you what it is that's going wrong with me. I
don't think anyone's advice would be the least good, but it's a
miserable affair, and I shall feel better for speaking about it.'
Snowdon regarded him with eyes of calm sympathy. There is a look of
helpful attention peculiar to the faces of some who have known much
suffering; in this instance, the grave force of character which at
all times made the countenance impressive heightened the effect of
its gentleness. In external matters, the two men knew little more of
each other now than after their first meeting, but the spiritual
alliance between them had strengthened with every conversation. Each
understood the other's outlook upon problems of life, which are not
commonly discussed in the top rooms of lodging-houses; they felt and
thought differently at times, but in essentials they were at one,
and it was the first time that either had found such fruitful
companionship.
'Did you hear anything from the Peckovers of Clara Hewett?' Sidney
began by asking.
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