He had never belongedto any group before, but
now all groups were beckoning him. Then hewent into the room, chafing his dry
hands briskly. But he drew no closer to her: hehalted, afraid, before her
loveliness. Youll get no peace, he said, as long as youre near them.
Well,thought they benevolently, we need some such.
Never before had he been so aware of
herenormous tranquil patience, the great health of her spirit.
Irene Mallard took him by the hand and led him
out onthe porch.
He felt the death ofjoy; but the groping
within him of wonder, of glory.
Luke came in from the naval school at Newport,
on Christmas eve.
What, said Miss Brown, with a cunning smile,
what if yourmother should see us?
He dawdled nervously toward the door, wishing
to melt away, not endin leave-taking.
He has nohair on the top of his head; his
teeth are false, and I dont knowwhat-all!
Id give anything for a smoke, muttered Miss
Brown. His physical loneliness was more complete and moredelightful. Mama, old
girl, he said, as he embracedher, howre they going?
He ought to have a regulartime for doing each
lesson; he ought to live by regular hours. It seems as if all I was fit for is
to cookand sew and get you ready to go off.
Yes, said Miss Brown, I believe in being
broad-minded aboutthese things, too.
Fear prowled softly through theirbrains on
leopard feet.
Eugene looked atthat good shy face,
remembering the lost years, the lost faces.
He was the fine flower ofuniversity
training.
All through the waning summer he walked with
Irene Mallard.