He had always two or three solid books on hand, each with its marker; he studied them at stated hours, and always sitting at a table, a notebook open beside him.

A little work once well-known, Todd's 'Student's Manual,' had formed his method and inspired him with zeal.
To-night, it being Sunday, he took down a volume of Barrow's Sermons.
Though not strictly orthodox in religious faith, he conformed to the practices of the Church of England, and since his marriage had been more scrupulous on this point than before.

He abhorred unorthodoxy in a woman, and would not on any account have suffered Monica to surmise that he had his doubts concerning any article of the Christian faith.
Like most men of his kind, he viewed religion as a precious and powerful instrument for directing the female conscience.

Frequently he read aloud to his wife, but this evening he showed no intention of doing so.

Monica, however, sat unoccupied.