He could not, however, have repeated a single thing which they had said.

Preoccupied with his own thoughts, he had only been dimly conscious what they were talking about.

His ears had taken in their words, but he had heard as not hearing.
After tea, in the gloaming, he called, as usual, on Madeline.

After a few casual words, he said, gently-- "Madeline, you remember you promised to marry me a few weeks ago.

I have not hurried you, but I want you now.