He could not rest in a drab little bare room he now occupied.
He became a watcher, except during the stolen hours with Bessy Bell.
Then he tried to be a teacher.

But he learned more than he thought.

He no longer concentrated his vigilance on his sister.

Having failed to force that issue, he bided his time, sensing with melancholy portent the certainty that he would soon be confronted with the stark and hateful actuality.

Thus he wore somewhat away from his grim resolve to kill Swann.