His state of mind after the thrashing he gave to young Tootle had been characteristic.

What had been the cause of his violence?
Certainly not uncontrollable anger, for he had in reality been perfectly cool throughout the affair; simply, then, the pleasure of avenging Miss Enderby.

And for this he had sacrificed his place, and left himself without resources.

He had acted absurdly; certainly would not have repeated the absurdity had the scene been to act over again.

This was not the attitude of one in love, and he knew it.