Alpha Book

There was, too, something of soberness, amounting, at moments, to
discontented listlessness--not solitary brooding; for at such moments he
stuck to Selwyn, following him about and remaining rather close to him,
as though the elder man's mere presence was a comfort--even a
protection.
At such intervals Selwyn longed to invite the boy's confidence, knowing
that he had some phase of life to face for which his experience was
evidently inadequate. But Gerald gave no sign of invitation; and Selwyn
dared not speak lest he undo what time and his forbearance were slowly
repairing.
So their relations remained during the early summer; and everybody
supposed that Gerald's two weeks' vacation would be spent there at
Silverside. Apparently the boy himself thought so, too, for he made some
plans ahead, and Austin sent down a very handsome new motor-boat for
him.
Then, at the last minute, a telegram arrived, saying that he had sailed
for Newport on Neergard's big yacht! And for two weeks no word was
received from him at Silverside.


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