At the appointed hour next morning, Earwaker reached his friend’s lodgings, which were now at Kilburn.  On entering the room he saw, not the familiar figure, but a solid, dark-faced, black-whiskered man, whom a faint resemblance enabled him to identify as Malkin the younger.

‘I was expecting you,’ said Thomas, as they shook hands.  ’My brother is completely floored.  When I got here an hour ago, I insisted on his lying down, and now I think he’s asleep.  If you don’t mind, we’ll let him rest for a little.  I believe he has hardly closed his eyes since this unfortunate affair happened.’

’It rejoiced me to hear that he was going to ask your advice.  How do matters stand?’

‘You know Mrs. Jacox?’

Thomas was obviously a man of discretion, but less intellectual than his brother; he spoke like one who is accustomed to the management of affairs.  At first he was inclined to a polite reserve, but Earwaker’s conversation speedily put him more at ease.

‘I have quite made up my mind,’ he said presently, ’that we must take him away with us to-morrow.  The voyage will bring him to his senses.’

‘Of course he resists?’

’Yes, but if you will give me your help, I think we can manage him.  He is not very strong-willed.  In a spasmodic way he can defy everyone, but the steady pressure of common sense will prevail with him, I think.’

They had talked for half-an-hour, when the door opened and the object of their benevolent cares stood before them.  He was clad in a dressing-gown, and his disordered hair heightened the look of illness which his features presented.

‘Why didn’t you call me?’ he asked his brother, irritably.  ’Earwaker, I beg a thousand pardons!  I’m not very well; I’ve overslept myself.’

‘Yes, yes; come and sit down.’

Thomas made an offer to leave them.

‘Don’t go,’ said Malkin.  ’No need whatever.  You know why Earwaker has been so kind as to come here.  We may as well talk it over together.’

He sat on the table, swinging a tassel of his dressing-gown round and round.

‘Now, what do you really think of doing?’ asked the journalist, in a kind voice.

‘I don’t know.  I absolutely do not know.  I’m unutterably wretched.’

’In that case, will you let your brother and me decide for you?  We have no desire but for your good, and we are perfectly at one in our judgment.’

‘Of course I know what you will propose!’ cried the other, excitedly.  ’From the prudential point of view, you are right, I have no doubt.  But how can you protect me against remorse?  If you had received letters such as these three,’ he pulled them out of a pocket, ’you would be as miserable as I am.  If I don’t keep my promise, I shall never know another moment of peace.’

‘You certainly won’t if you do keep it,’ remarked Thomas.

‘No,’ added Earwaker, ’and one if not two other persons will be put into the same case.  Whereas by boldly facing these reproaches of conscience, you do a great kindness to the others.’