But
because the sense of failure in his private life haunted him.
The house was very quiet. Buckham came in to mend the fire, issuing
from the shadows like a lean old ghost and eyeing him with tender,
faded old eyes.
"Is there anything else, sir?"
"Thanks, no. Buckham."
"Yes, Mr. Spencer."
"I have not spoken about it, but I think you have understood. Mrs.
Spencer is - not coming back."
"Yes, Mr. Spencer."
"I had meant to close the house, but certain things - Captain
Spencer's wife expects a child. I would rather like to have her
come here, for the birth. After that, if the war is over, I shall
turn the house over to them. You would stay on, I hope, Buckham."
"I'll stay, sir. I - " His face worked nervously. "I feel toward
the Captain as I would to my own son, sir. I have already thought
that perhaps - the old nursery has been cleaned and aired for weeks,
Mr. Spencer."
Clayton felt a thrill of understanding for the old man through all
the years he had watched and served them.
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