She had heard the locking of the front door a long while ago; and she
knew that the household was gone to bed. It was then that she realized
how long the struggle would be. But the next incident was marked in
her memory by her hearing the tall clock in the silent hall outside
beat one. It was immediately after this that he spoke once more.
"I have stood it long enough," he said, in that same abrupt manner.
She opened her eyes.
"You are still praying?" he said.
She nodded.
He got up without a word and came over to her, leaning forward with
his hands on his knees to peer into her face. Again, to her
astonishment, she was not terrified. She just waited, looking narrowly
at the strange person who looked through Laurie's eyes and spoke
through his mouth. It was all as unreal as a fantastic dream. It
seemed like some abominable game or drama that had to be gone through.
"And you mean to go on praying?"
"Yes."
"Do you think it's the slightest use?"
"Yes."
He smiled unnaturally, as if the muscles of his mouth were not
perfectly obedient.
"Well, I have warned you," he said.
Then he turned, went back to his couch, and this time lay down on it
flat, turning over on his side, away from her, as if to sleep.
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