But treacherous Time had been only hiding ill results when they could be guarded against, for greater accumulation when they could not.

In his declining years the store had been unfolded in the form of rheumatisms, pricks, and spasms, in every one of which Melbury recognized some act which, had its consequence been contemporaneously made known, he would wisely have abstained from repeating.
On a summons by Grammer Oliver to breakfast, he left the shed.

Reaching the kitchen, where the family breakfasted in winter to save house-labor, he sat down by the fire, and looked a long time at the pair of dancing shadows cast by each fire-iron and dog-knob on the whitewashed chimney-corner--a yellow one from the window, and a blue one from the fire.
"I don't quite know what to do to-day," he said to his wife at last.
"I've recollected that I promised to meet Mrs.Charmond's steward in Round Wood at twelve o'clock, and yet I want to go for Grace." "Why not let Giles fetch her by himself?
'Twill bring 'em together all the quicker." "I could do that--but I should like to go myself.

I always have gone, without fail, every time hitherto.

It has been a great pleasure to drive into Sherton, and wait and see her arrive; and perhaps she'll be disappointed if I stay away." "Yon may be disappointed, but I don't think she will, if you send Giles," said Mrs.Melbury, dryly.
"Very well--I'll send him." Melbury was often persuaded by the quietude of his wife's words when strenuous argument would have had no effect.