This episode of his life was one which he had better forget.

It was absolutely out of harmony with all his ideas.

He told himself that he was glad Beatrice was gone.

Housekeeping with an imaginary sister in this practical world was an absurdity.
Sooner or later it must have come to an end.

Better now, before it had gone too far--better now, much better! All the same, he knew that he was going to be very lonely.
He rang the bell for the woman who waited upon them, and whom he seldom saw, for Beatrice herself had supplied their immediate wants.