But in that clear morning light they seemed unreal and purposeless.

One immediate responsibility invaded him, and, contrasted with that, his ambitions dwindled into vanities.

He filled no place, he realised, which would be vacant unless he occupied it.

He had to decide for Clarice and solely for her.
Drake took up his hat and walked out of London to Elm Tree Hill.

There, gazing down upon its spires asparkle in the early sunlight, while the city gradually awoke and the hum of its stirring began to swell through the air, he came to his decision.