He was rich, but alone in the world.

He continued to reside in the home which was endeared to him by the memories of his loved and lost ones.
When his wife's sister died in poverty, leaving two children, he had taken them to his home, and had become a father to them.

Harry Martyn was a good boy, and Josephine Martyn was a good girl; but they were not his own children.

There was something wanting--an aching void which they could not fill, though Mr.Lowington was to them all that could be asked or expected of a parent.
Mr.Lowington busied himself in various studies and experiments; but life had ceased to be what it was before the death of his wife and daughter.

He wanted more mental occupation; he felt the need of greater activity, and he was tempted to return to the navy, even after his absence of ten years from the service; but this step, for many reasons, was not practicable.