There needed only two or three days of life at Polterham to allay the uneasiness with which, for all his show of equanimity, Denzil entered upon so perilous a career.

By the end of January he had practically forgotten that his position was in any respect insecure.

The risk of betraying himself in an unguarded moment was diminished by the mental habit established during eighteen months of secrecy in London.

Lilian's name was seldom upon his lips, and any inquiry concerning her at once awakened his caution.

Between themselves they never spoke of the past.
Long ago he had silenced every conscientious scruple regarding the relation between Lilian and himself; and as for the man Northway, if ever he thought of him at all, it was with impatient contempt.