The result had been that not only was he familiar with the facts in all their bearings, but he had already so far differentiated them that he was able to arrange them in his own mind according to their values.

Breakfast had been a silent function, so it did not interfere in any way with the process of thought.
So soon as the door was closed, Sir Nathaniel began: "I see, Adam, that something has occurred, and that you have much to tell me." "That is so, sir.

I suppose I had better begin by telling you all I know--all that has happened since I left you yesterday ?" Accordingly Adam gave him details of all that had happened during the previous evening.

He confined himself rigidly to the narration of circumstances, taking care not to colour events by any comment of his own, or any opinion of the meaning of things which he did not fully understand.

At first, Sir Nathaniel seemed disposed to ask questions, but shortly gave this up when he recognised that the narration was concise and self-explanatory.