In his voice there was the same gentleness, a self-suppression, as it were; his way of speaking half explained his want of success in life.
Emily was standing at the window in expectation of his coming.

As soon as he reached the iron gate in front of the house she ran to open the door for him.

He did not quicken his step, even stopped to close the gate with deliberate care, but if his face could ever be said to light up, it did so as he bent to the girl's kiss.

She took his hat from him, and went to see that his dinner was made ready.
'How fine it is!' he said in his subdued tone, when he came downstairs and stood by the table stroking his newly washed hands.

'Shall we have a walk before tea-time?
Mother is too busy, I'm afraid.' Mrs.Hood came into the room shortly, and seated herself in the usual way.
'Did you bring the cake ?' she asked, when her presence had caused silence for a few moments.
'The cake ?' he repeated in surprise.
'Didn't I ask you to bring a cake?
I suppose my memory is going; I meant to, and thought I mentioned it at breakfast.