And so Bibbs sat in the porch of the temple with the money-changers.

But no one came to scourge him forth, for this was the temple of Bigness, and the changing of money was holy worship and true religion.

The priests wore that "settish" look Bibbs's mother had seen beginning to develop about his mouth and eyes--a wary look which she could not define, but it comes with service at the temple; and it was the more marked upon Bibbs for his sharp awakening to the necessities of that service.
He did as little "useless" thinking as possible, giving himself no time for it.

He worked continuously, keeping his thoughts still on his work when he came home at night; and he talked of nothing whatever except his work.

But he did not sing at it.