He did not swing the maul late the next Saturday that came, but took up his journey and reached home in early evening.
He had been absent but three weeks, yet his family had much to ask, and his father laughed at his hardened palms, and congratulated him.

He changed his garb and took the way toward Mrs.Rolfston's.

She had not looked for him sooner, though she knew men well, for she had seen his growing trouble and she knew his will.

Her eyes blazed as might the eyes of some hungry thing to which food is brought.

It was late when he reached his home again, and the next day he must read a book, he said, that he had found at Mrs.Rolfston's.