He felt convinced that a more genial mood would possess him were he to diminish even by a few miles the distance that separated him from the home for which he longed.

It was necessary to hasten, so that he might be sure of booking a place in the diligence.

It was to leave at eventide by the eastward road.

There was little else to do, for he really need not bother to pay a farewell visit to Baron Perotti.

Half an hour would suffice for the packing of all his possessions.