Mr. Amber murmurs "Ah--my lady!" and she continues: "I intend a last visit to the Manor--to take leave of our dear friends, Mr. Amber, and to collect a few--memories. I would go now, but I have first to meet Lady Burdon. Lord and Lady Burdon will very kindly come here for that purpose on Monday so that we may know one another for a few days." She pauses and smiles inquiringly as though to ask Mr. Amber if he is now sufficiently informed. He blinks considerably, starts to work at his hands again, and suddenly says with a mouth all twisted: "It will be very--strange--to me to be parted from your ladyship." She extends a gentle hand towards his that twist and twist, touching them softly: "Dear Mr. Amber. It has been the pleasantest friendship." He says stupidly and brokenly, "What will I do?" "You must go on living with the books," she tells him. "Why, what would they do without you, or you without them? I will speak to Lord Burdon. You must live on just the same in the Manor library where we have been together so often--all of us. I shall like to think of you there. It is my wish, Mr. Amber." She says gently, "There!" as he clutches her hand to his lips. "I will go to bed now. I think I hear Colden coming for me," and as her maid enters, she rises. Mr. Amber tries for words. That twisting mouth forbids them, and he turns to hold the door open. "Thank you. Good night, Mr. Amber. Here is our kind Colden so thoughtful for my sleep. I am ready, Colden. Yes, I will take your arm. Good night, Mr. Amber." And as Mr. Amber stands watching, there comes to him faintly across the great hall: "We'll rest a moment here, Colden. A little trying, these stairs. Do you remember how he used to take me up? He never missed a night when he was home, did he? Do you remember how he made us laugh about this seat...?" Then Mr. Amber returns to the library, closes the door and eases emotion by a trumpet blast upon his nose. III