What did she expect of him?
Not any of the things which the ignorant or vulgar bystander expected of him--that he was certain.

But still her claim had wearied him; and he had brushed it aside.

His sulkiness about the book had been odious, indefensible.

And yet--perhaps from another point of view--it had not been a bad thing for either of them.

It had broken through habits which had become, surely, an embarrassment to both.
But now, let him make amends; select fresh ground; and from it rebuild their friendship.