'It will serve tolerably as a reading-room, too.

Nothing like as large as it ought to be, of course, but we must be content to feel our way to better things.' Gilbert nodded.

In spite of his companion's resolute cheerfulness, he felt a distressing dejection creep upon him as he stood in the cold, darkening room.

He could not feel the interest and hope which hitherto this project had inspired him with.

The figure of the old caretaker impressed him painfully.