Aaron's rod

THE WAR AGAIN 141
only death-courage. Nothing beyond this hell "
love-languishing
only death or
"What could they have seen, anyhow?" said Aaron.
"It's not what you see, actually. It's the kind of spirit
you keep inside you: the life spirit. When Wallace had
presentiments, Herbertson, being officer, should have said:
'None of that, Wallace. You and I, we've got to live and
make life smoke.' Instead of which he let Wallace be killed
and his own heart be broken. Always the death-choice
And we won't, we simply will not face the world as we've made
it, and our own souls as we find them, and take the responsibility.
We'll never get anywhere till we stand up man to man
and face everything out, and break the old forms, but never
let our own pride and courage of life be broken."
Lilly broke off, and went silently to bed. Aaron turned over
to sleep, rather resenting the sound of so many words. What
difference did it make, anyhow? In the morning, however,
when he saw the other man's pale, closed, rather haughty face,
he realised that something had happened. Lilly was courteous
and even affable: but with a curious cold space between him
and Aaron. Breakfast passed, and Aaron knew that he must
leave. There was something in Lilly's bearing which just
showed him the door. In some surprise and confusion, and in
some anger, not unmingled with humorous irony, he put his
things in his bag. He put on his hat and coat. Lilly was
seated rather stiffly writing.
"Well," said Aaron. "I suppose we shall meet again."
"Oh, sure to," said Lilly, rising from his chair. "We are
sure to run across one another."
"When are you going?" asked Aaron.
"In a few days' time."
"Oh, well, 111 run in and see you before you go, shall I?"
"Yes, do."
Lilly escorted his guest to the top of the stairs, shook
hands, and then returned into his own room, closing the door
on himself.
Aaron did not find his friend at home when he called. He