But Langholm reckoned without his stricken guest next door; and went up presently, intending to stay five or ten minutes at the most.
Severino lay smiling, like a happy and excited child.

Langholm was sorry to detect the excitement, but determined to cut his own visit shorter than ever.

It was more pleasing to him to note how neat and comfortable the room was now, for that was his own handiwork, and the ladies had been there to see it.

The good Bruntons had moved most of their things into the room to which they had themselves migrated.

In their stead were other things which Langholm had unearthed from the lumber in his upper story, dusted, and carried down and up with his own hands.