And no one could force her to brew him his toddy at night, or put his slippers to warm, or keep his meals hot and tasty for him, if some emergency among the animals made him late for his usual hours--certainly not the weak and stammering Reuben.

He was at her mercy, and he chafed indescribably under her unaccustomed neglect.
As for Mr.Ancrum, his own affairs, poor soul, soon became so absorbing that he had no thoughts left for David.

There were dissensions growing between him and the 'Christian Brethren.' He spoke often at the Sunday meetings--too often, by a great deal, for the other shining lights of the congregation.

But his much speaking seemed to come rather of restlessness than of a fall 'experience,' so torn, subtle, and difficult were the things he said.

Grave doubts of his doctrine were rising among some of the 'Brethren'; a mean intrigue against him was just starting among others, and he himself was tempest-tossed, not knowing from week to week whether to go or stay.
Meanwhile, as the winter went on, he soon perceived that Reuben Grieve's formidable wife was added to the ranks of his enemies.