But, in truth, they denoted the sudden relief of a man who, having got back in a mood of contrition, from erratic abandonment to fearful joys, found the soothing routine of professional practice unexpectedly opening anew to him.

The highest desire of his soul just now was for a respectable life of painstaking.

If this, his first summons since his return, had been to attend upon a cat or dog, he would scarcely have refused it in the circumstances.
"Do you know the way ?" she asked.
"Yes," said he.
"One-chimney Hut," she repeated.

"And--immediately!" "Yes, yes," said Fitzpiers.
Grace remained no longer.

She passed out of the white gate without slamming it, and hastened on her way back.