My inquiries were suspended by the hope that he would give me the information that I wanted without the importunity of questions.
I waited some time, but the confusion of his thoughts appeared in no degree to abate.

At length I mentioned the apprehensions which their unusual absence had occasioned, and which were increased by their behaviour since their return, and solicited an explanation.

He stopped when I began to speak, and looked stedfastly at me.

When I had done, he said, to me, in a tone which faultered through the vehemence of his emotions, "How were you employed during our absence ?" "In turning over the Della Crusca dictionary, and talking on different subjects; but just before your entrance, we were tormenting ourselves with omens and prognosticks relative to your absence." "Catherine was with you the whole time ?" "Yes." "But are you sure ?" "Most sure.

She was not absent a moment." He stood, for a time, as if to assure himself of my sincerity.
Then, clinching his hands, and wildly lifting them above his head, "Lo," cried he, "I have news to tell you.