He did not buy a gun, nor did he go a-fishing; but he gradually began to avoid the beaten path trodden by all.

His attendance at parties became less and less frequent, and although he went out somewhere on holidays, he always returned home sober.

His mother watched him unobtrusively but closely, and saw the tawny face of her son grow keener and keener, and his eyes more serious.

She noticed that his lips were compressed in a peculiar manner, imparting an odd expression of austerity to his face.

It seemed as if he were always angry at something or as if a canker gnawed at him.