He therefore kept out of sight, and musing sadly, even tearfully--for he was meek as a child in matters concerning his daughter--continued his way towards Hintock.
The insight which is bred of deep sympathy was never more finely exemplified than in this instance.

Through her guarded manner, her dignified speech, her placid countenance, he discerned the interior of Grace's life only too truly, hidden as were its incidents from every outer eye.
These incidents had become painful enough.

Fitzpiers had latterly developed an irritable discontent which vented itself in monologues when Grace was present to hear them.

The early morning of this day had been dull, after a night of wind, and on looking out of the window Fitzpiers had observed some of Melbury's men dragging away a large limb which had been snapped off a beech-tree.

Everything was cold and colorless.
"My good Heaven!" he said, as he stood in his dressing-gown.