CHAPTER XXIX

e,sowasthemindofMr.Wilcoxtothemindsofsomemen—aconcentratedlightuponatinyspot,alittleTenMinutesmovingself-containedthroughitsappointedyears.NoPaganhe,wholivesfortheNow,andmaybewiserthanallphilosophers.Helivedforthefiveminutesthathavepast,andthefivetocomehehadthebusinessmind. Howdidhestandnow,ashismotorslippedoutofOnitonandbreastedthegreatroundhills?Margarethadheardacertainrumour,butwasallright.Shehadforgivenhim,Godblessher,andhefeltthemanlierforit.CharlesandEviehadnotheardit,andnevermusthear.NomoremustPaul.Overhischildrenhefeltgreattenderness,whichhedidnottrytotracktoacauseMrs.Wilcoxwastoofarbackinhislife.HedidnotconnectherwiththesuddenachinglovethathefeltforEvie.PoorlittleEvie!hetrustedthatCahillwouldmakeheradecenthusband. AndMargaret?Howdidshestand? Shehadseveralminorworries.Clearlyhersisterhadheardsomething.Shedreadedmeetingherintown.AndshewasanxiousaboutLeonard,forwhomtheycertainlywereresponsible.NoroughtMrs.Basttostarve.Butthemainsituationhadnotaltered.ShestilllovedHenry.Hisactions,nothisdisposition,haddisappointedher,andshecouldbearthat.Andshelovedherfuturehome.Standingupinthecar,justwhereshehadleaptfromittwodaysbefore,shegazedbackwithdeepemotionuponOniton.BesidestheGrangeandtheCastlekeep,shecouldnowpickoutthechurchandtheblack-and-whitegablesoftheGeorge.Therewasthebridge,andtherivernibblingitsgreenpeninsula.Shecouldevenseethebathing-shed,butwhileshewaslookingforCharles’snewspring-board,theforeheadofthehillroseandhidthewholescene. Sheneversawitagain.DayandnighttheriverflowsdownintoEngland,dayafterdaythesunretreatsintotheWelshmountains,andthetowerchimes,SeetheConqueringHero.ButtheWilcoxeshavenopartintheplace,norinanyplace.Itisnottheirnamesthatrecurintheparishregister.Itisnottheirghoststhatsighamongthealdersatevening.Theyhavesweptintothevalleyandsweptoutofit,leavingalittledustandalittlemoneybehind.