His temper had changed from one of urbane contentment--indeed of delicious expansion--to one of uneasiness and expectation.

The dinner was brought in, and had to be set by the fire to keep hot.

It was now a quarter of an hour beyond the specified time.

He bethought him of a piece of news which had depressed him in the earlier part of the day.

Owing to the illness of one of his fellow-clerks, it was likely that he would get no holiday until later in the year, which would mean the postponement of their marriage.