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Erica, he was only personally brave; he could not be brave for
other people. Actual risk he would have enjoyed, but this anxious
waiting was to him the keenest torture.
When at length the agelong hour had passed, and he heard the front
door close, he started up with an exclamation of relief, and
hurried out into the passage. Erica greeted him with her brightest
smile.
All safe, she said, following him into the study. He is well on
his way to Folkestone, and we have eluded three spies.
Then, with a good deal of humor, she related the whole of the
adventure, at the same time taking off her hat and gloves.
And you met no one you knew? asked Raeburn.
Only the bishop who baptized and confirmed me this evening, and he
of course did not recognize me.
As she spoke, she unbuttoned her ulster, disclosing beneath it her
white serge dress.
Raeburn sighed. Words and sight both reawakened a grief which he
would fain have put from him.
But Erica came and sat down on the hearth rug, and nestled up to
him just as usual. I am so tired, padre mio! she exclaimed. But
it has been well worth it.
Raeburn did not answer. She looked up in his face.
What are you thinking?
I was thinking that few people had such an ending to their
confirmation day, said Raeburn.
I thank God for it, said Erica. Oh, father! There is so much,
so very much we still have in common! And I am so glad this
happened tonight of all nights!
He stroked her hair caressingly, but did not speak.
For all men live and judge amiss
Whose talents jump not just with his. Hudibras
Comfortable moles, whom what they do
Teaches the limit of the just and true.
(And for such doing they require not eyes). Matthew Arnold
One bright afternoon about a week after this, Erica found herself
actually in the train, and on her way to Greyshot. At first she
had disliked the idea, but her father had evidently wished her to
accept the invitation, and a hope of uniting again the two families
would have stimulated her to a much more formidable undertaking
than a visit of a few weeks to perfect strangers. She knew nothing
of the proposal made to her father; her own letter had been most
kind, and after all, though she did not like the actual leaving
home, she could not but look forward to a rest and change after the
long summer months in town. Moreover, Aunt Jean had just returned,
after a brief holiday, and the home atmosphere for the last two or
three days had been very trying; she felt as if a change would make

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