George went to his own room, amused and curious. Could Sylvia talk communism, even parrot-like, and deny him the rights of a brother? He became more anxious than before to see her. He shrank, on the other hand, from facing Betty who was about to take this enormous step permanently away from him. Out of his window he could see the tree beneath which he had made his confession in an effort to kill Betty's kindness. If he had followed her to the castle then Lambert wouldn't be limping about exposing a happiness that made George envious and discontented. It was a reminder with a vengeance that his friends were mating. Was he, like Blodgett, doomed to a revolting celibacy? Blodgett, as far as that went, seemed quite to have recovered from the blow Sylvia had given his pride and heart. With his increasing fortune his girth had increased, his cheeks grown fuller, his eyes smaller. He was chatting, when George came down, with Old Planter, who sat slouched in an easy chair in the library, and Mr. Alston. It was evident that the occasion was not a joyous one for Betty's father. "I've half a mind to sell out here," George heard him say, "and take a share in a cooperative apartment in town. Without Betty the house will be like a world without a sun." Blodgett, George guessed, was tottering on the threshold of expansive sympathy. He drew back, beckoning George. "Here's your purchaser, Alston. I never knew a half back stay single so long. And now he's a hero. He's bound to need a nest soon." Mr. Alston smiled at him. "Is there anything in that, George?" George wanted to tell Blodgett to mind his own business. How could the man, after his recent experience, make cumbersome jokes of that colour? "There was a time," Mr. Alston went on, "when I fancied you were going to ask me for Betty. The thought of refusing used to worry me." George laughed uncomfortably. "So you would have refused?" "Naturally. I don't think I could have said yes to Lambert if it hadn't been for the war. If you ever have a daughter--just one--you'll know what I mean."