On the whole, his existence was a very peaceful one.

He loved Rotherwood and the simple, kindly folk amongst whom he lived.

His books and Elizabeth's society were his chief pleasures.

If the day passed without seeing her, Theo noticed that he grew restless and preoccupied, and finally went across to the Wood House on some excuse or other, to assure himself that nothing was amiss.
"Father thinks that there is no one like Elizabeth," Theo would observe: "nothing that she says or does is wrong.

If he had his way they would never be apart;" and Theo was right.
In spite of his short sight, Mr.Carlyon soon detected the signs of mental weariness on Elizabeth's pale face; for as she seated herself on the wooden bench beside him, he patted her hand in his tender, homely way.
"What is it, my dear ?" he asked gently.