I suppose I have been influenced by my father's talk about that kind of thing." "To be sure." He noticed a shrinking movement in Miss Derwent and saw that Hannaford was approaching.

This dislike of the man, involuntarily betrayed, gave Piers an exquisite pleasure.

Not only because it showed they had a strong feeling in common; it would have delighted him in any case, for he was jealous of any human being who approached Irene.
Hannaford made known at breakfast that he was leaving home again that afternoon, and might be absent for several days.

A sensitive person must have felt the secret satisfaction caused all round the table by this announcement; Hannaford, whether he noticed it or not, was completely indifferent; certain letters he had received took most of his attention during the meal.

One of them related to an appointment in London which he was trying to obtain; the news was favourable, and it cheered him.
An hour later, as he sat writing in his study, Mrs.Hannaford brought in a parcel, which had just arrived for him.
"Ah, what's that ?" he asked, looking up with interest.
"I'm sure I don't know," answered his wife.