He was like a prisoner going to his doom.

As he crossed the bridge, and remembered how Katie had looked when she lay struggling in the water, how he had been feted and caressed after pulling her out, he made a bitter contrast between his present position and that which he then enjoyed.

Were it not for very shame, he would have found it in his heart to return to London.
And then in a moment they were at the Cottage door.

The road had never been so short.

Norman, who had not fathomed Charley's feelings, was happy and light-hearted--more so than was usual with him, for he was unaffectedly glad to witness Charley's return to Hampton.