But no such decision had been formed, and his overtaxed mind could do no more than dwell with dull persistency on a long prospect of wretchedness.

Fear and hatred moved him in turns, and the fear was as much of himself as of the object of his hate.
As he approached the door, a man came out whom he did not know, but whose business he suspected.

He had little doubt that it was a police officer in plain clothes.

He had to stand a moment and rest, before he could use his latchkey to admit himself.

When he entered the sitting-room, he found the table spread as usual.