Helen was called home by the illness of her father and did not return to Rosville.

She would write me, she said; but it was many weeks before I received a letter.

Ben Somers about this time took a fit of industry, and made a plan for what he called a well-regulated life, averring that he should always abide by it.

Every hour had its duty, which must be fulfilled.

He weighed his bread and meat, ate so many ounces a day, and slept watch and watch, as he nautically termed it.
I guessed that the meaning of his plan was to withdraw from the self-chosen post of censor.