John went several times to London during it and was kindly and honorably entertained by Lord Harlow during his visits.

Then he saw his Jane in environments that made him a little anxious about the future.

Surrounded by luxury, a belle and favorite in society, a constant participator in all kinds of amusement and the recipient of much attention, how would she like to settle down to the exact monotony of life at Hatton?
It was well for John that he had none of the Hellenic spirit in him.

He was not tempted to sit down and contemplate his worries.

No, the Hebrew spirit was the nobler one, and he persistently chose it--"get thee forth into their midst, and whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." John instinctively followed this advice, so that even his employees noticed his diligence and watchfulness about everything going on.
In the earliest days of April when spring was making the world fresh and lovely and filling the balmy air with song, John thought of the home for himself that he would build and he determined to see the man who was to dig the foundation that night.