He had already accumulated his material, and he only wanted leisure to write.
He knew his trade well, and his strong, vigorous style, his admirable choice of words, his pure English, and above all, his complete knowledge of his subject, were already bringing him into notice with the critics.
Yes, his summer holiday should be spent at the Crow's Nest, and he would work and play at his own sweet will.

It was a pity Anna could not join them for a week or two.

She and Verity would have become such friends; and then he remembered his mother's prejudices.

Besides, she was thinking of going to Whitby, and if so she would expect Anna to accompany her.
It was time for them to go now; but, as they drove home in a hansom, Malcolm suddenly laid his hand on Anna's.

"You are very quiet, dear," he said gently.