The mother bird was on the nest.

He was afraid the other egg might be hatching, so he did not venture to disturb her.

He made the round and reached his study early.
He ate his lunch, but did not need to start on the second trip until the middle of the afternoon.

He would have long hours to work on his flower bed, improve his study, and learn about his chickens.

Lovingly he set his room in order and watered the flowers and carpet.