He had even ceased to smile at the success of his stratagem.

It was over and done with; their social standing was unassailable.
Anxious to complete his book on the Vikings, he worked at it for several hours each morning; it would be off his hands some time in February, and the spring publishing season should send it forth to the world.

The rest of his leisure was given to politics.

Chests of volumes were arriving from London, and his library shelves began to make a respectable appearance; as a matter of principle, he bought largely from the local bookseller, who rejoiced at the sudden fillip to his stagnant trade, and went about declaring that Mr.Denzil Quarrier was evidently _the_ man for the borough.
He fell upon history, economics, social speculation, with characteristic vigour.

If he got into the House of Commons, those worthies should speedily be aware of his existence among them.