But the very thought of whiling away the time in this manner was now distasteful to him.

The new situation in which he was placed seemed to have altered him to himself already.

Thus far his life had been the common, trifling, prosaic, surface-life of a prosperous young man, with no troubles to conquer and no trials to face.
He had lost no relation whom he loved, no friend whom he treasured.
Till this night, what share he had of the immortal inheritance that is divided among us all had lain dormant within him.

Till this night, Death and he had not once met, even in thought.
He took a few turns up and down the room, then stopped.

The noise made by his boots on the poorly-carpeted floor jarred on his ear.