Just as he did so, he caught sight of two figures--Maud and
Guthrie--walking together on the road which led from the Vicarage.
They were talking in the plainest intimacy. Guthrie seemed to be
arguing some point with laughing insistence, and Maud to be
listening in amused delight. Presently they came to a stop, and he
could see Maud hold up a finger. Guthrie at once desisted. At this
moment a kitten scampered across the green to them sideways, its
tail up. Guthrie caught it up, and as he held it in his arms.
Howard saw Maud bend over it and caress it. The scene brought an
instant conviction to his mind; but presently Maud said a word to
her companion, and then came across the green to the Manor, passing
in at the gate just underneath him. Howard stood back that he might
not be observed. He saw Maud come in under the gateway, half
smiling to herself as at something that had happened. As she did
so, she waved her hand to Guthrie, who stood holding the kitten in
his arms and looking after her. When she disappeared, he put the
kitten down, and then walked back towards the Vicarage.
XXI
THE AWAKENING
Howard spent the rest of the morning in very bitter cogitation;
after luncheon, during which he could hardly force himself to
speak, he excused himself on the plea of wanting exercise.
It was in a real agony of mind and spirit that he left the house.
He was certain now; and he was not only haunted by his loss, but he
was horrified at his entire lack of self-control and restraint.
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