The Forsyte Saga - Volume 1

He walked home, and going upstairs, woke Emily out of the first sleep

she had had for four and twenty hours, to tell her that it was his

impression things were in a bad way at Soames's; on this theme he

descanted for half an hour, until at last, saying that he would not

sleep a wink, he turned on his side and instantly began to snore.

In Montpellier Square Soames, who had come from the picture room, stood

invisible at the top of the stairs, watching Irene sort the letters

brought by the last post. She turned back into the drawing-room; but in

a minute came out, and stood as if listening. Then she came stealing up

the stairs, with a kitten in her arms. He could see her face bent over

the little beast, which was purring against her neck. Why couldn't she

look at him like that?

Suddenly she saw him, and her face changed.

"Any letters for me?" he said.

"Three."

He stood aside, and without another word she passed on into the bedroom.