The driving in of the farmers and the awakening of life in the market, and all the stir it occasioned inside the house and out, prevented sleep even if he had been inclined that way.

He had to swallow his pill, and he did it with the best grace possible.

Sooner than was expected of him, sooner than was wise, perhaps, he was on his feet and peering out of the one small window this most dismal day room contained.
He had not mistaken the outlook.

It gave on to the alley, and all that was visible from behind the curtains where he stood, was the high brick wall of the neighbouring house.

This wall had not even a window in it; which in itself was a disappointment to one of his resources.