Vague years seemed to pass by, and then out of the abyss came the voice of the Head booming: "Um, yes, Mr. Speed ... I think, in the circumstances, you had better--um, yes, take a holiday at the seaside.... You are very clearly in a highly dangerous--um--nervous state ... and I will gladly release you from the rest of your term's duties.... No doubt a rest will effect a great and rapid improvement.... My wife recommends Seacliffe--a pleasant little watering-place--um, yes, extremely so.... As for the incidents during preparation last evening, I think we need not--um--discuss them at present.... Oh yes, most certainly--as soon as convenient--in fact, an early train to-morrow morning would not incommode us.... I--um, yes--I hope the rest will benefit you ... oh yes, I hope so extremely...." And he added: "Helen is--um--a good nurse." Then something else of no particular importance, and then: "I shall put Mr.--um--Pritchard in charge of--um--Lavery's while you are absent, so you need not--um--worry about your House...." Speed said, conquering himself enough to smile: "Oh, no, I shan't worry. I shan't worry about anything." "Um--no, I hope not. I--I hope not.... My wife and I--um--we both hope that you will not--um--worry...." Then Speed noticed, with childish curiosity, that the Head was attired in a sky-blue dressing-gown and pink-striped pyjamas.... Where was he, by the way? He looked round and saw a tiny gas-jet burning on a wall bracket; near him was a bed ... Pritchard's bed, of course. But why was the Head in Pritchard's bedroom, and why was Clanwell there as well? Clanwell said sepulchrally: "Take things easy, old man. I thought something like this would happen. You've been overdoing it." "Overdoing what?" said Speed. "Everything," replied Clanwell. The clock on the dressing-table showed exactly midnight. "Good-bye," said Speed. Clanwell said: "I'm coming over with you to Lavery's." The Head departed, booming his farewell. "Good night.... My--um--my best wishes, Speed ... um, yes--most certainly.... Good night." Then Pritchard said: "Perhaps I can sleep again now. Enough to give me a breakdown, I should think. Good-night, Speed. And good luck. I wish they'd give _me_ a holiday at Seacliffe.... Good night, Clanwell." As they trod over the soft turf of the quadrangle they heard old Millstead bells calling the hour of midnight. Speed said: "Clanwell, do you remember I once told you I could write a novel about Millstead?" "Yes, I remember it." "Well, I might have done it then. But I couldn't now. When I first came here Millstead was so big and enveloping--it nearly swallowed me up. But now--it's all gone. I might be living in a slum tenement for all it means to me. Where's it all gone to?" "You're ill, Speed. It'll come back when you're better." "Yes, but when shall I be better?" "When you've been away and had a rest." "Are you sure?" "Of course I'm sure. You don't suppose you're dying, do you?"