COMMUTER'S WIFE 19 



fragrance. Together we rowed on the deep, narrow 

 river, and in the shadowy cathedral listened to the 

 music that seemed to come from the organ without 

 human intervention; in fact, we discovered each 

 other anew. 



The newly mated should always go away for a 

 space, among strangers if possible. Readjustment 

 cannot take place in the old nest ; but, after that, all 

 is safe. Then, too, not to go away is not to know 

 the joy of return. 



After a time Evan grew restless ; his scrap of the 

 family raiment was too small, he must weave his 

 own and mine, and for the worker the looms of 

 England are as crowded as the nests. 



One September morning we sat by the sundial 

 trying to unravel our " weird " and see clearly what 

 was best. Evan held in his hand the offer from a 

 prosperous manufacturer to lease the place for ten 

 years, and while he brooded on the matter I held my 

 peace. I could not trust myself to speak, though 

 the words were crowding thick and fast to my 

 lips. 



Two letters were brought out, one for Evan, 

 and one for me. Two American letters. Evan's was 

 lengthy, the bulk being typewritten, with an en 

 closed note in a well-known hand. 



