In the afternoon Hubert started to walk back to Agworth, but instead of taking the direct road he strayed into the wood.

He was loth to leave the neighbourhood of the Manor; intense anxiety to know what Adela was doing made him linger near the place where she was.

Was she already suffering from brutal treatment?
What wretchedness might she not be undergoing within those walls! He said she seemed to have sprung up in answer to his desire.

In truth, her sudden appearance overcame him; her tearful face turned to irresistible passion that yearning which, consciously or unconsciously, was at all times present in his life.

Her grief could have but one meaning; his heart went out to her with pity as intense as its longing.
Other women had drawn his eyes, had captured him with the love of a day; but the deep still affection which is independent of moods and impressions flowed ever towards Adela.