Chapter 16: VI

VI What the Papers Said There are occasions when speech is an intrusion and sympathy an affront. An occasion of this kind coincided with Fanny’s exit. On the mantel the clock still ticked. Otherwise there was silence in that room. Orr, finishing with his glove, made for the door. “If I can be of use,” he said, “let me know.” Annandale stood up. “You can,” he answered. For a moment he hesitated. He seemed lost and dizzy. Then, with an effort, he got himself together. “Tell Sylvia it …