Had he known his own wishes he must have acknowledged to himself that he was better pleased that Mrs Dale should stay away.

He felt himself more absolutely master and more comfortably at home at his own table without her company than with it.

And yet he frequently made a grievance of her not corning, and himself believed in that grievance.
"I think mamma was tired," said Bell.
"Hem.

It's not so very far across from one house to the other.

If I were to shut myself up whenever I'm tired-- But never mind.