He had not fathomed his mind, got at the prime motive of his being.

Moreover, he felt that the old man was waiting for some moment, or some event, to make revelation of himself.
Since Joseph's appearance, it had become more noticeable than ever that Snowdon suffered from some agitation of the mind; Sidney had met his eyes fixed upon him in a painful interrogation, and seemed to discern the importunity of a desire that was refused utterance.

His own condition was affected by sympathy with this restlessness, and he could not overcome the feeling that some decisive change was at hand for him.
Though nothing positive justified the idea, he began to connect this anticipation of change with the holiday that was approaching, the week to be spent in Essex at the end of July.

It had been his fear that Joseph's presence might affect these arrangements, but Michael was evidently resolved to allow nothing of the kind.

One evening, a fortnight before the day agreed upon for leaving town, and when Joseph had made a call in Hanover Street, the old man took occasion to speak of the matter.