Grail explained this as due to Ackroyd's disturbed mood, another result of which was seen in his ceasing to attend the lecture; yet in Gilbert also there was something which tended to weaken the intimacy.

He knew well enough what this was, and strove against it, but not with great success.
Ackroyd lived with his married sister, who let half her house to lodgers.

When Gilbert knocked at the door, it was she who opened.

Mrs.
Poole was a buxom young woman with a complexion which suggested continual activity within range of the kitchen fire; her sleeves were always rolled up to her elbow, and at whatever moment surprised she wore an apron which seemed just washed and ironed.

She knew not weariness, nor discomfort, nor discontent, and her flow of words suggested a safety valve letting off superfluous energy.
'That Mr.Grail ?' she said, peering out into the darkness.