The heavy Clydesdales and lighter driving horses were all valuable, for Clarke was a successful farmer and had found that the purchase of the best animals and implements led to economy; though it was said that he seldom paid the full market price for them.

He had walked home because it was impossible to keep warm driving; and he now felt tired and morose.

The man had passed his prime and was beginning to find the labor he had never shirked more irksome than it had been.

He dispensed with a hired hand in winter, when there was less to be done, for Clarke neglected no opportunity to save a dollar.
When he had finished in the stable, he crossed the snow to the house, which was dark and silent.

After the bustle and stir of London, where he had spent some time, it was depressing to come back to the empty dwelling, and he was glad that he had saved himself the task of getting supper.