I-XVII

Minus certain costs and the amount of his
indebtedness to Valentine Simmons, Gordon
received the sum of one thousand and
sixty dollars for the sale of his house. He was still
sleeping in it, but the day was near when he must
vacate. The greater part of his effects were gathered
under a canvas cover on the porch, Clare's personal
belongings were still untouched in her room.
He must wait for the disposition of those until he
had learned the result of the operation.

He heard from Clare on an evening when he was
sitting on his lonely porch, twisting his dextrous
cigarettes, and brooding darkly on the mischances
that had overtaken him of late. It was hot and
steamy in the valley, no stars were visible; the known
world, muffled in a close and imponderable cloak,
was without any sign of life, of motion, of variety.
Gordon heard footsteps descending heavily from
the road, a bulky shape loomed up before him and
disclosed the features of Dr. Pelliter.

He greeted Gordon awkwardly, and then fell momentarily
silent. "She sent you a message, Gordon,"
he pronounced at last.

[[86]]

p085 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p086w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p087

v?