He had lost something--perchance that freshness of purpose which had become him so well.

He seemed to talk of his undertakings less spontaneously, and in a tone--she could not quite say what it was, but his tone perhaps suggested the least little lack of sincerity.

And her agitation when he entered the room?
It had meant nothing, nothing.

Her nerves were weak, that was all.
She wished she could shed tears.

There was no cause for it, surely none, save a physical need.