He had just received a letter from Jane, and she said she was weary of London, and longing to be with her dear mother at Harlow House, or indeed anywhere that would allow her to see him every day.

A very little kindness went a long way with John and such words lying near his heart made him wonderfully happy.

And because he was happy he was exceedingly busy.

Even Greenwood did not trouble him with observations; and official conversation was reduced to monosyllables.

People came in and left papers and went out without a word; and there was a pressure on John to "do whatsoever his hand found to do with all his might." Suddenly the door was flung open with unrestricted force and noise and John raised his head to reprove the offender.