of the storm-tossed on reaching a quiet haven.




CHAPTER III

MORBID BROODING



To the millions who are suffering in mind or body there certainly come
in this world moments of repose, when pain ceases; and the respite
seems so delicious in contrast that it may well suggest the "rest that
remaineth." Thinking of neither the past nor the future, Gregory for a
little time gave himself up to the sense of present and luxurious
comfort. With closed eyes and mind almost as quiet as his motionless
body, he let the moments pass, feeling dimly that he would ask no
better heaven than the eternal continuance of this painless, half-
dreaming lethargy.

He was soon aroused, however, by a knocking at the door, and a middle-
aged servant placed before him a tempting plate of Albert biscuit and
a glass of home-made currant wine of indefinite age. The quaint and
dainty little lunch caught his appetite as exactly as if manna had
fallen adapted to his need; but it soon stimulated him out of his
condition of partial non-existence. With returning consciousness of
the necessity of living and acting came the strong desire to spend as
much of his vacation as possible in his old home, and he determined to
avail himself of Mr. Walton's invitation to the utmost limit that