It was truly only an appearance, but Jane was not familiar with changes in Love's atmosphere.

John's steadfast character had given her always fair weather.
In reality the long strain of business cares and domestic sorrow had begun to tell even upon John's perfect health and nervous system.

Facing absolute ruin in the war years and surrounded by pitiable famine and death, he had kept his cheerful temper, his smiling face, his resolute, confident spirit.

Now, he was singularly prosperous.

The mill was busy nearly night and day, all his plans and hopes had been perfected; yet he was often either silent or irritable.