The previous evening had been unusually dull.

He was never weary of being with Mary Goddard, but occasionally, when the Ambroses were present, the conversation became oppressive.

Mr.Juxon almost wished that John Short would come back and cause a diversion.

His views concerning John had undergone some change since he had discovered that nobody could marry Mrs.Goddard because she was married already.

He believed he could watch John's efforts to attract her attention with indifference now, or if without indifference with a charitable forbearance.