James was much softened by the exercise; so much so that when Donald asked permission to walk with him as far as their way lay together, he very pleasantly acceded to the request.

And Donald was so bright and unpretentious it was almost impossible to resist the infectious good temper which seemed to be his characteristic.
Still James was very little happier or more restful.

He lay awake again, but this night it was not to fret and fume, but to calmly think over his position and determine what was best and right to do.

For James still thought of "right," and would have been shocked indeed if any angel of conscience had revealed to him the lowest depths of his desires and intentions.

In the first place, he saw that David would tolerate no element of quarrelling and bitterness in his peaceful home, and that if he would continue to visit there he must preserve the semblance of friendship for Donald McFarlane.