He had adopted the pioneers' Spartan code; one must stand by one's bargain, and do the thing one had undertaken.
For a few moments he was silent, lost in rather gloomy thought, with a frown on his brown face, and Mrs.Allott, his English relative, studied him across the table.

On the whole, Jim Thirlwell had improved in Canada, and she thought he would be welcomed if he returned to England.
She had been his mother's friend, and during the week or two they had now spent together, had decided that if he proved amenable she would help him to make a career.

Indeed, it was largely on Thirlwell's account she had accompanied her husband on his American tour.
Jim had certain advantages.

He was not clever, but his remarks were sometimes smarter than he knew.

Then he had a quiet voice and manner that impressed one, even when one differed from him, as one often did.
He was not handsome, and his face was rather thin, but his features were well-defined, and she liked his firm mouth and steady look.