There was not so much sternness apparent in his nature, because there was less self-restraint.

Determination had become indifference.
The visible change in Edgar was that he grew morbid, sad, silent; the neighbours thought he was going mad.

He became absorbed in the kite, and watched it not only by day, but often all night long.

It became an obsession to him.
Caswall took a personal interest in the keeping of the great kite flying.
He had a vast coil of cord efficient for the purpose, which worked on a roller fixed on the parapet of the tower.

There was a winch for the pulling in of the slack; the outgoing line being controlled by a racket.
There was invariably one man at least, day and night, on the tower to attend to it.