But he experienced the palpable misery of a craving emptiness within his breast, and did believe of himself that he never could again be in comfort unless he could succeed with Clara Amedroz.

He stood leaning against one of the trees, striking his hands together, and angry with himself at the weakness which had reduced him to such a state.

What could any man be worth who was so little master of himself as he had now become?
After awhile he made his way back through the farmyard, and in at the kitchen door, which he locked and bolted; and then, throwing himself down into a wooden arm-chair which always stood there, in the corner of the huge hearth, he took a short pipe from the mantelpiece, filled it with tobacco, and lighting it almost unconsciously, began to smoke with vehemence.

Plaistow Hall was already odious to him, and he longed to be back at Belton, which he had left only that morning.
Yes, on that very morning she had brought to him his coffee, looking sweetly into his face,--so sweetly as she ministered to him.

And he might then well have said one word more in pleading his suit, if he had not been too awkward to know what that word should be.