That would show them what a noble fellow he was.

Elspeth would really benefit by his disappearance; he was running away for Elspeth's sake.

And when he was great, which would be in a few years, he would come back for her.
But no, he--.

The dash represents Tommy swithering once more, and he was at one or other end of the swither all day.

When he acted sharply it was always on impulse, and as soon as the die was cast he was a philosopher with no regrets.