in the centre of the geometrical pattern of the rug and stared at it. He said in a low voice: "His mother died of consumption."
"Yes. But none of the children have shown any tendency that way. I suppose he's been exposing himself."
Renny began to limp nervously up and down the room. Ernest asked, solicitously: "How is your knee? It is a shame to have brought you here, when you're not fit, but I—you understand"
"It's nothing. I wish I had our own doctor to see him. This man may be an alarmist."
"I don't know, I hope so. He says that he must have the very best care."
"We must take him home. . . . What does Alayne think of this?"
"She's terribly upset, naturally. She's shocked. There's no hatred in her toward Eden. She thinks that he simply can't help being what he is. Unfaithful. I agree, too. What do you think?"
"I think he's a damned nuisance. All these brothers of mine are." He turned his incisive gaze suddenly on Finch. "I hope you're going to behave yourself, now," he said.
Finch pulled at his underlip.
"Are you?"
"H'm-h'm."
Ernest put in: "It's God's mercy that the boy ran away. We should never have heard of Eden till too late."
Both men stared at Finch. He writhed inwardly, not knowing whether he was being commended or jeered at.
Ernest continued: "Alayne had got him quite a decent position in a publishing house, as costing clerk. I saw this Mr. Cory and got him to let him off at once. I had to have his help with Eden. I couldn't be alone here, not knowing what might happen. I little thought, when I left home, the time I'd have."
"Well, it's a good thing he's been of some use," replied Renny. "Now, you'd better take me in to Eden."
Eden was propped up in bed, not seeming so ill as
