On these afternoons Stoner was usually in his study and could hear what the mothers said as they spoke loudly across the room, above their children’s voices. Once, when there was a lull in the noise, he heard Edith say, “Poor Grace. She’s so fond of her father, but he has so little time to devote to her. His work, you know; and he has started a new book . . .” Curiously, almost detachedly, he watched his hands, which had been holding a book, begin to shake.
