He was trying to persuade himself that nothing of much mo-
ment had come to pass. A doubt troubled him ; most likely it
would trouble him for the rest of his life ; but he must heed it as
little as possible. What other course was open to a sensible man ?
To rave and swear in the high tragic style would avail nothing, one
way or the other ; and the fact was — ^whatever its explanation —
that he felt no prompting to such violence. Two years had
passed ; the man was dead ; Alma had changed greatly, and was
looking to a new life in new conditions. His worst uneasiness
arose from the hysteria which had so alarmingly declared itself
this evening. He thought of Bennet Frothingham, and at length
rose from his chair, meaning to go upstairs. But just then a step
sounded In the hall ; his door was pushed open, and Alma showed
herself.
" May I come," she asked, k)oking at him steadily.
He beckoned with his head. She closed the door, and came
slowly forward, stopping at a few paces from him.
