He wanted to think.

He must, in some way, thrash out this astounding thing that had come to him.
Arkwright did not visit the Annex again for some days.

Until he was more nearly sure of himself and of his feelings, he did not wish to see Alice Greggory.

It was then that he began to think of Billy, deliberately, purposefully, for it must be, of course, that he had made a mistake, he told himself.

It must be that he did, really, still care for Billy--though of course he ought not to.
Arkwright made another discovery then.