XX

In the afternoon Alec arrived. Julia's tender heart was touched by the
change wrought in him during the three months of his absence from town.
At the first glance there was little difference in him. He was still
cool and collected, with that air of expecting people to do his bidding
which had always impressed her; and there was still about him a
sensation of strength, which was very comfortable to weaker vessels. But
her sharp eyes saw that he held himself together by an effort of will,
and it was singularly painful to the onlooker. The strain had told on
him, and there was in his haggard eyes, in the deliberate firmness of
his mouth, a tension which suggested that he was almost at the end of
his tether. He was sterner than before and more silent. Julia could see
how deeply he had suffered, and his suffering had been greater because
of his determination to conquer it at all costs. She longed to go to him
and beg him not to be too hard upon himself. Things would have gone more
easily with him, if he had allowed himself a little weakness. But he was
softer too, and she no longer felt the slight awe which to her till then
had often made intercourse difficult. His first words were full of an
unexpected kindness.

'I'm so glad to be able to congratulate you,' he said, holding her hand
and smiling with that rare, sweet smile of his. 'I was a little unhappy
at leaving Dick; but now I leave him in your hands I'm perfectly
content. He's the dearest, kindest old chap I've ever known.'

'Shut up, Alec,' cried Dick promptly. 'Don't play the heavy father, or
Julia will burst into tears. She loves having a good cry.'

But Alec ignored the interruption.

'He'll be an admirable husband because he's been an admirable friend.'

For the first time Julia thought Alec altogether wise and charming.

'I know he will,' she answered happily. 'And I'm only prevented from
saying all I think of him by the fear that he'll become perfectly
unmanageable.'

'Spare me the chaste blushes which mantle my youthful brow, and pour out
the tea, Julia,' said Dick.

She laughed and proceeded to do as he requested.

'And are you really starting for Africa so soon?' Julia asked, when they
were settled around the tea-table.

Alec threw back his head, and his face lit up.

'I am. Everything is fixed up; the bother of collecting supplies and
getting porters has been taken off my shoulders, and all I have to do is
to get along as quickly as